Aug 04 2024 16 mins
This episode explores the captivating story of Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine arrested in Russia on espionage charges in 2018. It covers his multinational background, military service, arrest in Moscow, and the subsequent diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia. The narrative follows Whelan's controversial trial, his 16-year sentence, and the efforts to secure his release, culminating in his freedom in 2024 through a prisoner swap. This in-depth look offers insights into the complexities of international relations, the challenges of citizen diplomacy, and the personal toll of geopolitical conflicts.