Former Marine Paul Whelan Reflects On His Devastation After Others Were Released Before Him
MANCHESTER, MI — In his first interview since returning to the United States, former Marine Paul Whelan expressed deep disappointment upon learning that WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from Russian detention while he remained imprisoned. After spending more than five years in a Russian prison, Whelan described the moment as “devastating.”
Whelan recounted the conversation with a Homeland Security official who informed him of Griner’s release in exchange for Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer. “It was devastating,” he said, realizing that the U.S. had seemingly conceded its negotiating position. “OK, well, what are you going to do next? What’s next?” he recalled asking after receiving the news.
Immediately after the call, Whelan, who was incarcerated at the time, went to the prison control room to inform his parents about his situation. “That was difficult,” he noted. “I had not lost confidence that they would get me back, but I wasn’t sure when they would get me back.”
Whelan had been left behind during a previous prisoner swap in April 2022, when fellow Marine Trevor Reed was freed in exchange for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was convicted of drug smuggling.
To maintain his spirits throughout his lengthy incarceration, Whelan established a daily ritual of singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Now home in Michigan, he continues this practice, a symbol of resilience throughout his ordeal.
Released in August during one of the largest prisoner exchanges since the Cold War, Whelan’s freedom also coincided with the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich and other political prisoners. He was arrested in 2018 while attending a wedding in Moscow and subsequently convicted of espionage—a charge he steadfastly denies and that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has labeled a “sham.”
Born in Canada to British parents, Whelan became a naturalized U.S. citizen and served as a police officer in Michigan before enlisting in the Marines in 1994, completing multiple tours in Iraq.
Recalling his arrest, Whelan described the moment FSB agents burst into his hotel room and began pressing him to confess to espionage. “They said, ‘If you confess we can get this over with,’” he recalled, emphasizing that he was innocent. He was subjected to harsh conditions in Lefortovo prison, including being placed in a brightly lit cell for extended periods—a tactic he described as “a mild form of torture.”
Over the years, Whelan remained in contact with State Department representatives using a “burner phone,” while enduring poor living conditions and corruption among prison guards. He described the food as “not great” and highlighted the corruption that forced prisoners to bribe guards for better meals.
Whelan’s release marked a significant moment in U.S.-Russia relations. He emphasized the need for strong diplomatic efforts with leaders of “rogue nations,” asserting that American leadership needs to adopt a more assertive stance.
Reflecting on the upcoming presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, he stated, “Our president, he needs to be strong, she needs to be strong.” He also expressed skepticism over Trump’s claim that he could negotiate the release of American prisoners due to his relationship with Putin, saying, “Any president will have a hard time dealing with a rogue leader like Putin.”
During his time in prison, Whelan was made aware of significant events in Russia, including the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He recounted that while the FSB informed prisoners he died of natural causes, such statements are often viewed with suspicion.
Whelan described his psychological struggles, revealing that the death of his golden retriever, Flora, was a particularly low point. “That meant when I got home it would be a different home from when I left,” he lamented.
In July, as hope for his release grew, Whelan received instructions from FSB agents to request a pardon. After a brief period in solitary confinement, he was finally flown out of Russia, where he met fellow released prisoners, including Gershkovich.
Upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Whelan was greeted by President Biden, who pinned a flag on him, a gesture he found deeply meaningful. Now home, he is focused on adjusting to life after imprisonment. Whelan has expressed concerns about his physical and mental health, including lingering post-traumatic stress disorder, and the challenge of finding employment at his age. “At this age, it’s difficult,” he said. “I might have to find something new, reinvent myself.”