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The Trump administration has negotiated the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher, from Russia, according to a statement released Tuesday from National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
The release of Fogel was described as the result of a negotiation by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia,” Waltz said.
The release was described as a show of good faith from the Russian government as the administration works towards reaching an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the President’s advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.”
Waltz emphasized the Trump administration’s previous success in similar negotiations and stressed the continued prioritization of bringing Americans home.
“Since President Trump’s swearing-in, he has successfully secured the release of Americans detained around the world, and President Trump will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States,” Waltz said.
Fogel was arrested in Russia in August of 2021 for possession of drugs and had been serving a 14-year sentence.
Fogel’s family had described the drugs in his possession as medically prescribed marijuana. The Biden administration State Department had previously classified Fogel as wrongfully detained, but had been unable to secure his release.
Despite negotiations, officials within the Biden administration stated Russia was unwilling to release Fogel in 2024.
Fogel will now be reunited with is family thanks to the work of Special Envoy Witkoff.
“By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to President
Trump’s leadership,” Waltz said.
