Live updates: Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan are freed in massive prisoner swap involving U.S., Russia and other countries

“There is no way to thank the many Americans and others who helped and gave hope to Paul from afar, writing letters and donating to his GoFundMe prison account,” he said in the statement. “We are grateful for the assistance that, like Paul’s extended family, came from across the globe.”

David Whelan also said that “we were discouraged from speaking out about Paul’s case.”

“But we believe the media attention has been a crucial factor in securing Paul’s freedom,” he said. “Those first years were hard when the Trump Administration ignored Paul’s wrongful detention, and it was media attention that helped to finally create critical mass and awareness within the U.S. government.” 

“Paul Whelan is not in a Russian labor colony any longer, but he is not home,” his brother said. “While Paul was wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, he lost his home. He lost his job. We are unsure how someone overcomes these losses and rejoins society after being a hostage.” 

David Whelen ended his statement reiterating, “we are grateful for everyone’s efforts to help Paul while he was away” and asked for space and privacy for his brother.