Michigan lawmakers condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine, want 'crippling' sanctions

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Waterford Township, urged prayers for her constituent, Paul Whelan of Novi, who has been in custody in Russia since his arrest in December 2018 and a later conviction on espionage charges that he's vehemently denied.

Supporters of Whelan have worried about how the invasion of Ukraine could complicate or nullify diplomatic efforts to bring him home. 

“My widely supported, bipartisan resolution calling for Paul’s release is ready to come to the House floor, and as diplomatic relations with Russia have effectively ceased, I am pushing hard to advance this public show of support from Congress to protect Paul from Russian retaliation against the United States," Stevens said in a statement.