Trump Welcomes American Teacher Released From Russian Prison

U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the return of Marc Fogel, an American teacher released from a Russian prison, during a White House reception on Tuesday.

Fogel, a 63-year-old former diplomat, had been detained in Russia since 2021 for possessing a small amount of medical marijuana prescribed in the U.S. He was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony.

Trump described Fogel’s release as a significant step in improving relations between the U.S. and Russia, expressing the hope it could contribute to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed the release was part of a prisoner exchange, though Russian authorities offered no immediate comment.

Fogel’s sister, Anne, revealed that the family had long anticipated the possibility of his release but described the process as fragile and uncertain. Fogel was moved from a penal colony in Rybinsk days before being flown back to the U.S., where he expressed deep gratitude.

“I feel like the luckiest man on Earth,” Fogel said, reflecting on his unexpected journey home.

Trump praised Russia’s cooperation, hinting at potential future diplomatic breakthroughs. Fogel’s legal team commended Trump’s swift action, contrasting it with what they criticized as slow efforts by the Biden administration. Fogel had not been classified as “wrongfully detained” by the U.S. government until late 2024, despite multiple previous prisoner exchanges that left him out.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, accompanied Fogel on his flight home, marking the first visit by a senior U.S. official to Russia in years. While the U.S. did not confirm if someone was freed in exchange for Fogel, the release signals a potential thaw in relations between the two nations.

His release follows high-profile exchanges, including U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner’s swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in 2022. Other notable releases last year included journalist Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

Trump reiterated his commitment to ending the war in Ukraine, emphasizing diplomacy over conflict. Meanwhile, Fogel’s family expressed relief and hope for healing after a difficult ordeal.

 Source: BBC