American Paul Whelan pleads for Biden to help secure his release from Russian prison

Paul Whelan, a former Marine, is serving a 16-year sentence in Russia on espionage charges. He has appealed to President Biden to use all available resources to secure his release, likening his situation to a hostage scenario. Both Whelan and the U.S. State Department deny the espionage allegations.

In what context did Whelan appeal to President Biden?

What did the former Marine ask President Biden to do regarding his release?

What is the length of the prison sentence that Whelan is serving?

What was the reason for Whelan's imprisonment?

What do both Whelan and the State Department deny?