Secretary Blinken Engages in Phone Call with Detained American Paul Whelan

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed a recent phone conversation with Paul Whelan, an American citizen who has been detained in Russia for over five years. Blinken expressed his commitment to ongoing and "intensive efforts" aimed at securing Whelan's release. The Secretary of State reaffirmed that he remains dedicated to bringing Whelan home and emphasized the broader commitment to ensuring the safety of Americans detained abroad.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he spoke with Russian detainee Paul Whelan on Monday. Lisa Taylor has more.

Whelan, a former Marine, has been held in Russia since his arrest. . .