Whelan told CNN on Sunday he was concerned that he could once again be left behind in Russia if a deal were negotiated for Gershkovich. Elizabeth Whelan, his sister, complained in February that lawmakers who had mentioned her brother in connection with Griner had seemingly lost interest after Griner’s release. “No one has called.”But on May 4, Lynne M. Tracy, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, visited Whelan in prison. Whelan was arrested in Russia in December 2018 on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison in June 2020. CNN said Sunday evening that this was the third time Whelan had called reporter Jennifer Hansler.

Source: CNN May 22, 2023 18:46 UTC