Search for Missing American Marine Paul Whelan Intensifies Amid Prisoner Swap Speculation

Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine jailed in Russia on espionage charges he denies, is currently unaccounted for. His lawyer, Olga Karlova, is seeking his whereabouts. The disappearance comes amid a series of missing Russian dissidents, sparking speculation about a potential prisoner swap between Russia and the West.

Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine jailed in Russia on espionage charges, is currently untraceable, his lawyer mentioned on Wednesday.

Olga Karlova, Whelan's attorney, confirmed she has reached out to the prison colony where he is serving his sentence to locate him.

The development follows the recent vanishing of several Russian dissidents and opponents of Moscow's actions in Ukraine, prompting speculation among rights activists about an imminent prisoner exchange with the West.

(With inputs from agencies.)