Mail to Russia stopped; letters to Paul Whelan may be returned

The site of the prison camp at Mordovia, where Paul Whelan remains imprisoned, three years after his arrest on false pretenses.

Just two weeks ago, the Mirror reported that the diplomatic pouches in which domestic mail addressed to Paul Whelan could be sent, had been discontinued. This week, the Whelan family learned that the United States Postal Service has now also suspended mail delivery to Russia, so no letters can reach him at this time. More about this at the end of the article.

Paul’s sister, Elizabeth, last week updated the family’s GoFundMe page, letting donors and friends know that they were able to send funds to a Russian dentist in Mordovia to pay for some much-needed dental work for Paul, keeping the situation from becoming an emergency. Also, although they are being blocked from visiting him (or any other Americans) in person right now, the US Embassy in Moscow was able to send off a large box of food and supplies to Paul. This will be most welcomed.

She also shared an uplifting update about Paul being able to save the life of a young Russian prisoner who had attempted to commit suicide.

“The prisoner had lost a pint or two of blood,” she related. “Paul, an American Red Cross First Aid and CPR instructor, didn’t have a first aid kit or supplies (which are banned by barrack rules) but jumped in using what he had available from his own materials to triage and treat the Russian prisoner.

“Although prison guards arrived, they wouldn’t assist, and doctors refused to attend the scene.

“Paul, along with some other prisoners, carried the patient in a blanket across the snow to a doctor in the administration building. The prisoner survived and is currently recovering at a hospital camp.”

Elizabeth continued, “I am so proud of my brother that even though he is being held on false charges and has suffered so much over these past three years at the hands of the Russians, Paul could still find it in his heart to save the life of a fellow prisoner, regardless of national origin, religion, or world politics. As Paul said, that is the foundation of human rights.”

Now for the mail issue: As of Friday, March 11, the USPS stopped all mail service to Russia. The agency said it had suspended certain services “due to unavailable transportation as a result of widespread cancellations and restrictions” within Russia. Mail already en route is likely to be stamped ‘Service suspended’ and returned to sender.

Elizabeth writes, “We were able to tell Paul this afternoon when he made a call to our parents so that he knows why letters suddenly stop arriving.

“BUT! Paul asked us to share a message with everyone — keep writing to him anyway, and just hold on to the letters! One day either the service will resume, or he will be home, and he said he will be glad to read the letters either way!”

The family appreciates all of the support for Paul that has been shown over the past three years. It has helped keep his spirits up throughout his ordeal.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.