WASHINGTON, D.C. (Michigan News Source) – After enduring 2,043 days of detainment in Russia, American Paul Whelan has finally been released and will soon be reunited with his family, as we reported was imminent this morning. Upon confirming with the White House that his brother Paul was indeed being released from Russia, his twin brother David sent out an email to the media who have stood beside him and his family on the journey to bring Paul home.

Final family statement.

David Whelan, who has been the family spokesperson throughout the ordeal, issued a heartfelt message to the media, expressing gratitude for their coverage and support during Paul’s captivity. He stressed the importance of granting Paul privacy as he reintegrates into his life with the assistance of the U.S. government and said that it is now Paul’s story to tell, and he should be given control over how and when he shares it with the public. David emphasized, “It is vital that he be given agency over his life again, something the Kremlin took away for so many years.”

End of advocacy.

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David expressed that his time as the family spokesperson has come to an end and shared that he and his sister Elizabeth will now be focusing on their own lives. He kindly asked the media to respect their privacy and not contact him, other family members, or relatives for interviews or reactions. David especially emphasized the importance of privacy for their parents, who wish to live quietly without any media intrusion.

David acknowledged the media’s perseverance in covering Paul’s story and highlighted the risks some journalists faced, including being labeled foreign agents or hounded from Russia.

Closing remarks.

In his concluding remarks, David spoke from the heart, expressing his profound admiration for the media’s courage and relentless efforts. He urged journalists to broaden their focus to the pressing issue of wrongful detention used as a tool of extortion by nation-states, highlighting the ongoing struggles of countless families in similar situations. As he signed off, David extended his warm wishes to the media and acknowledged the end of the family’s advocacy journey for Paul, bringing a deeply personal chapter to a close.

Governor Whitmer’s response.

The release of Paul Whelan, a U.S. Navy Veteran and Michigan native, also elicited a statement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer this afternoon. She said, “Today, a Michigan family can breathe a long sigh of relief after a years-long nightmare. Paul Whelan, a proud United States Marine and Michigander is finally coming back home along with Evan Gershkovich, a journalist, and several other Americans. When Paul was unjustly arrested in 2019 (sic), he was on his way to Michigan, and I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for successfully negotiating his peaceful release. It’s been