President Donald Trump has failed to make public remarks about US citizen Paul Whelan, 48, who is being detained in Moscow on suspicion of espionage.
"We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being. His innocence is undoubted and we trust that his rights will be respected," his brother David Whelan told CNN.
During a panel hosted by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Thursday, veteran reporter April Ryan said that Trump was fearful of commenting on the situation because he is afraid of Russia.
"What do you make, of the fact that the president -- he's not said a word, hasn't tweeted a word, nothing about this American detained in Moscow?" Blitzer asked.
"You know why anything Russia is a death knell for him," Ryan said. "Russia is an albatross around his neck, and he doesn't want to talk about it unless he has a victory behind his statement."
CNN legal commentator Jeffery Toobin said that Trump doesn't like having to say "nasty things about Putin."
Watch below via CNN.