Marc Fogel, an American teacher previously deemed wrongfully detained by Russia, has been released in what the White House described as a positive step in diplomatic relations. Officials suggested the move could help advance negotiations toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for former President Donald Trump, escorted Fogel—a Pennsylvania-based history teacher—out of Russia and brought him to the White House. Upon arrival, Fogel stood beside Trump, draped in an American flag, as he expressed his gratitude.
“I will forever be indebted to President Trump,” Fogel said, anticipating a long-awaited reunion with his family by the end of the day.
Trump also announced that another American would be released on Wednesday but did not disclose further details, stating only that the individual was “very special.”
Fogel was arrested in August 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison for carrying medically prescribed marijuana. The Biden administration classified him as wrongfully detained in December. When asked whether the U.S. had made concessions in exchange for Fogel’s release, Trump responded, “not much,” without elaborating.
Trump has previously claimed to have a strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Just last month, Trump stated that his administration was engaged in “very serious” discussions with Russia about the ongoing conflict.
Moscow has yet to issue an official statement regarding Fogel’s release.
