Whelan, who denies spying on Russia, was arrested by the Federal Security Service (FSB) in a room in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel on December 28, 2018. Investigators said he was caught red-handed with a flash drive containing sensitive information.
The US has repeatedly denied that Whelan is a spy and repeatedly demanded his release, offering several different proposed deals to get Whelan home. Washington says he was “wrongfully detained”.
Whelan told the BBC he felt “abandoned” by the US and said a previous swap which left him behind in Russia was a “serious betrayal”.
“I know the US have all sorts of proposals, but it’s not what the Russians want. So they go back and forth, like throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks,” the BBC quoted him saying.
“The problem is, it’s my life that’s draining away while they do this. It’s been five years.”
Ex-US Marine Paul Whelan attacked in Russian prison by another inmate
Ex-US Marine Paul Whelan attacked in Russian prison by another inmate
The US has repeatedly told its citizens to leave Russia immediately and warns that those who stay are at serious risk of arbitrary arrest or harassment by Russian law enforcement agencies.
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US basketball star Brittney Griner freed by Moscow in exchange for Russian arms dealer
US basketball star Brittney Griner freed by Moscow in exchange for Russian arms dealer
“It is not simple, I will not go into details now, but in general, it seems to me that we speak a language that is understandable to each other,” Putin said. “I hope we will find a solution. But, I repeat, the American side must hear us and make an appropriate decision, one that suits the Russian side.”
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said after the Putin remarks that discussions were ongoing but Russia had rebuffed a serious proposal. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US wanted a deal.