The family of the American, Paul N. Whelan, says the Russian government is holding him in the hope of increasing his value in a potential trade for Russians imprisoned in the United States. Relatives are now calling on Congress to penalize Moscow for its detention of Mr. Whelan, who was arrested last year while visiting Russia for a wedding. Mr. Whelan’s arrest came shortly after a Russian citizen accused of trying to influence prominent Americans, Maria Butina, was imprisoned after pleading guilty to conspiring to act as a foreign agent. Some officials had hoped that Mr. Whelan would be freed once Ms. Butina had served her sentence. But she returned to Russia in October, and Mr. Whelan’s detention has been extended at least until March.

Source: International New York Times December 28, 2019 13:30 UTC