Jailed U.S. Veteran Feels 'Abandoned' by Government Over Stalled Release Talks with Russia
-
Paul Whelan, a U.S. Marine veteran imprisoned in Russia, feels "abandoned" by the U.S. government and calls their inaction a "serious betrayal."
-
Whelan criticizes both the Biden and Trump administrations for not securing his release in prisoner swaps with Russia.
-
Whelan says he could have been released years ago if the U.S. had agreed to swap him for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
-
While the U.S. says it's constantly discussing Whelan's case, he calls their promises "empty" and says his situation keeps getting pushed back.
-
Whelan was recently assaulted in prison following a dispute, prompting concern from his family and the State Department.