Skip to main content

Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

The United States recently put forward a substantial proposal for the release of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, two Americans detained in Russia, but it was rejected, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

230509170741 Gershkovich Whelan Split

This proposal, details of which were not disclosed, represents a significant effort by the US to secure the release of Whelan and Gershkovich, who are considered “wrongfully detained” by the US and have been charged with espionage in Russia, charges both men deny.

Matthew Miller

Miller expressed frustration over the need for such proposals, stating, “In recent weeks, we made a new and significant proposal to secure Paul and Evan’s release. That proposal was rejected by Russia. We shouldn’t have to make these proposals. They never should have been arrested in the first place. They should both be released immediately.” He emphasized the ongoing commitment of the US government to secure their release, adding, “It will not deter us from continuing to do everything we can to try and bring both of them home.”

Whelan1 Rt Ml 200615 1592221149741 Hpmain 16x9 992

Paul Whelan, arrested in Russia in 2018, was convicted of espionage in 2020 and sentenced to 16 years. Both he and the US government have denied the spy allegations. Journalist Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 in Yekaterinburg on espionage charges, with his employer, the Wall Street Journal, and the White House denouncing the charges.

The US government’s designation of “wrongfully detained” implies that it views the charges against both men as unfounded and politically motivated.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Keep up to date with our latest videos, news and content