Why getting Whelan freed from Russia is proving harder than Griner

Washington — For the second time this year, the family of Michigan's Paul Whelan was left "devastated" that Russia agreed to swap an American prisoner for the return of a Russian inmate, and that, again, that American wasn't Paul.

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U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, a Democrat who represents Whelan in Congress, said Thursday she's still hopeful and not giving up after speaking to the White House.

"I've talked to Paul's family, and we remain dedicated to the pursuit of getting him returned. It's very clear that the Russians are continuing to use him as a political pawn, as a point of leverage — as they have for nearly four years. It's certainly very heartbreaking," she told The Detroit News.

"There's no parity when trying to negotiate with the lawlessness of Putin and the FSB. Personally, I know that Paul is being wrongly and falsely detained. In terms of how we move forward, we will continue to use diplomacy. I am pushing to be as aggressive as possible and pursue any actions."