Key facts
- Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan has been released from Russian custody.
- President Vladimir Putin granted Paul Whelan a pardon on humanitarian grounds.
- Whelan had been imprisoned for over four years on disputed charges.
- Whelan was reportedly suffering from severe health issues.
- Donald Trump announced the release of Paul Whelan.
- Whelan had been detained for over five years.
- Whelan held multiple citizenships.
- Whelan was sentenced to 16 years for spying.
Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan has been released from Russian custody after President Vladimir Putin granted him a pardon on humanitarian grounds. Whelan had been imprisoned for over four years on disputed charges and was reportedly suffering from severe health issues. Donald Trump announced Whelan's release, stating that the former U.S. Marine had been detained for over five years. Whelan held multiple citizenships and was sentenced to 16 years in prison for spying.