Former Marine Paul Whelan expressed devastation after learning that WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner was released from Russian detention but he was not. He had been imprisoned in Russia for over five years, denied any involvement in espionage charges and was confident in the U.S.’s efforts to secure his release. Following Griner’s release in a prisoner swap involving a convicted Russian arms dealer, Whelan found himself left behind once more when another Marine was exchanged for a Russian pilot. During his ordeal, he maintained his spirits by singing the national anthem every morning. Whelan endured harsh conditions in prison, including corrupt guards and subpar food. He emphasized the need for tough diplomacy with leaders of rogue nations like Putin. Whelan recounted learning about the death of his dog and struggling with health issues while in prison. He described the circumstances leading to his release, including being flown to Turkey and then home to the U.S. where he met President Biden. Whelan acknowledged the challenges of readjusting to regular life, including potential job uncertainty and lingering post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the difficulties, he expressed gratitude for the support he received from his community.
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