Both Whelan and the U.S. government deny the charges, which have resulted in his detention for over 2,000 days. In a recent interview with CNN in a phone call from the prison, Whelan expressed his frustration and urged the U.S. to take bold steps to secure his freedom telling them, “There should be decisive action taken.”

Calls for stronger U.S. response.

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Whelan said that the U.S. needs to do something that makes the Kremlin “sit up and take notice,” suggesting measures such as arresting Russian officials or spies to create leverage for his and others’ release. Whelan emphasized the need for a strong response to prevent further detentions like his, mentioning Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested on similar charges, and Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner, who were previously imprisoned in Russia.

Whelan also criticized the Russian judicial system, stating, “There is no criminal justice system here… people go to trial and are automatically guilty. They’re given a sentence, and that’s it.”

Criticism of U.S. diplomatic efforts.

Whelan has previously criticized the Biden administration for not taking sufficient action. In December, he told WTOP News that President Biden had promised to bring him home but that diplomatic efforts had failed. Despite being imprisoned before Gershkovich, Griner, and Reed, Whelan has served the longest sentence with no prospects for release.

The State Department continues to reiterate its commitment to securing Whelan’s release. “We put a substantial offer on the table to secure the release of Evan and Paul Whelan some months ago, as we said publicly; we’re continuing to work to secure their release,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller to reporters last week adding, “We don’t talk about the details of that publicly, as has always been the case, but it is one of the Secretary and the President’s highest priorities.”

Family’s frustration and advocacy.

Whelan’s brother, David, also voiced his frustration about the situation in a recent email message marking the 2,000th day of Whelan’s imprisonment, with his brother having completed 1/3 of his 16- year prison term. David highlighted the U.S. government’s failure to make significant progress since December 2022, when officials promised renewed efforts to secure Paul’s release. “False promises. False hopes,” David wrote.

David also noted that the family has received limited information from the White House about efforts to free Paul, despite the Levinson Act’s mandate for transparency with hostage families. He added that “doors that used to be open are shut.”