American Wrongfully Imprisoned in Russia Continues to Hope for Release Despite Concerns of Being Left Behind

Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, has been detained in Russia on espionage charges for over four years.
Whelan remains positive and confident that efforts are being made for his release, but wishes they would move more quickly.
He expressed concern about being left behind after a prisoner exchange last year did not include him.
Whelan has been told that his case is a priority and that the government is working tirelessly to get him out of Russia.
He denies all charges and believes his life is just as valuable as others who have been previously traded.