Paul Whelan’s return to the United States after spending over five years imprisoned in Russia has been a complex journey, marked by both profound challenges and a sense of the surreal. While reflecting on his experiences, Whelan described coming home as “interesting,” but he also emphasized the difficulties that have accompanied this transition. As he approaches the one-year anniversary of the significant US-Russia prisoner exchange that ultimately secured his release, Whelan shared his current struggles with CNN, highlighting the profound impact of his years in captivity.
One of the stark realities Whelan faced upon his return was the need to essentially start anew. “You’re literally starting over,” he articulated, emphasizing how the passage of time abroad had obliterated the life he once knew. His possessions—his house, cars, and job—had all disappeared during his lengthy absence. Whelan, who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), described how even simple hotel rooms can trigger distressing memories, reminding him of the violent arrest that set off his prolonged ordeal in 2018 while he was in Moscow for a friend’s wedding.
Adjusting to life back in his home state of Michigan proved to be a significant challenge. Whelan did not just have to reacclimate to his environment; he also encountered new health issues. After being away for an extended period, he developed seasonal allergies, showcasing the physical and psychological toll of his time away from home. He spoke candidly about how it took him time to feel comfortable navigating familiar streets and engaging in routines he had long abandoned, particularly activities involving his dog, who sadly passed away during his absence.
Moreover, Whelan’s attempts to reintegrate into the workforce have been fraught with obstacles. His years of wrongful imprisonment have created gaps in his employment history that make job hunting difficult. In his conversations with potential employers, he noted that while many understand the concept of wrongful detention, there remains a disconnect regarding how to incorporate the unique circumstances of his experience into traditional hiring practices. “They don’t know what to do with it,” he lamented, underscoring the need for societal awareness and sensitivity surrounding issues of wrongful imprisonment.
To address these challenges, Whelan has partnered with local lawmakers, including Michigan Democratic Representatives Debbie Dingell and Haley Stevens, aiming to advocate for systemic changes. They are working to pass legislation that would provide funding for the medical, dental, and psychological care that is often overlooked for individuals who have endured wrongful detention. Specifically, they seek to implement the provisions of the Levinson Act, which emphasizes the need to support former hostages and wrongfully detained individuals.
The Levinson Act has played a crucial role in establishing key components of US policy towards hostages, such as creating the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs position and defining the criteria for wrongful detention. Dingell’s office has actively engaged with Whelan, recognizing the difficulties political prisoners face upon their return. “One of these is ensuring they have the medical treatment and mental health resources they need to recover from their traumatic experience,” Dingell’s deputy chief of staff Michaela Johnson explained.
Beyond advocating for legislative support, Whelan has continued to maintain connections with former inmates from his time at the IK-17 prison in Mordovia, a facility that has since been repurposed to house Ukrainian prisoners of war. Reports from his friends, still incarcerated, reveal dire conditions, with increasingly poor food quality and unrest among prison staff due to the ongoing economic challenges faced in Russia. There have even been alarming reports of prisoners, particularly foreign nationals, being coerced into fighting in Ukraine.
Whelan has also kept in touch with other recently released detainees, such as the journalist Evan Gershkovich, creating a network of support among those who have shared similar harrowing experiences. He poignantly described this group as a “unique club,” likening it to “the Island of Misfit Toys,” characterized by individuals from diverse backgrounds brought together by circumstances beyond their control.
As for commemorating the one-year anniversary of his release, Whelan plans to celebrate in a more subdued manner, possibly by opening a special bottle of scotch and enjoying some cigars he has saved for this occasion. His story encapsulates the profound complexities and hurdles faced by individuals returning from wrongful imprisonment, highlighting the need for greater empathy and understanding from society as they navigate their reintegration into a world that has drastically changed in their absence.
