The United States has successfully negotiated the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been detained in Russia. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed on February 12 that Fogel had been flown out of Russian airspace after an exchange was arranged, with the involvement of former President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials.
While details about the nature of the exchange remain scarce, the US government highlighted that the deal was part of broader efforts to maintain diplomatic dialogue with Russia and to advance peace initiatives, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The US also emphasized that this agreement signified a step forward in the tense relations between the two countries.
Fogel, who had been imprisoned since 2021 for the illegal possession of cannabis—despite the substance being legally prescribed to him in the US—had been serving a 14-year sentence in a penal colony in Rybinsk. His arrest followed a routine airport check where authorities found a small amount of medical marijuana in his luggage.
Fogel’s sister, Anne Fogel, expressed her relief at his release, stating that the family had known negotiations were underway but remained cautious due to the sensitive and often precarious nature of such discussions. She celebrated the news of his release as a moment of joy after what had been a distressing period for their family.
The teacher’s wife, Jane Fogel, and their two sons, Ethan and Sam, also issued a statement expressing their gratitude, acknowledging the pain they had endured, and declaring that they could now begin to heal. Marc Fogel is expected to reunite with his family at Joint Base Andrews, outside Washington, D.C.
The legal team representing Fogel thanked former President Trump for his prompt action in securing the release, contrasting the success of this negotiation with the perceived inaction of the Biden administration in similar cases. They commended Trump for his decisive leadership, which they argued resulted in the swift return of Marc Fogel to US soil.
Trump himself commented on the release, expressing satisfaction with the outcome and optimism that the exchange could signal a new phase in US-Russia relations. He also voiced hopes for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, citing the potential for the agreement to pave the way for broader peace efforts.
Fogel’s case, which had previously drawn attention due to the circumstances surrounding his detention, now marks a rare instance of successful diplomatic intervention in a period of high geopolitical tensions. His return to the US stands as a testament to the continued efforts of American diplomats working under complex and often hostile international conditions.
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