American Teacher Marc Fogel Released from Russian Detention After Diplomatic Agreement
Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old American teacher detained in Russia since 2021, has been released and returned to the United States following a diplomatic agreement brokered by the Trump administration. Fogel, who was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for carrying 17 grams of medically prescribed marijuana, was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony on drug smuggling charges. His case drew international attention and criticism, with his family and supporters arguing that the punishment was disproportionately harsh and politically motivated.
Fogel, a history teacher at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, had been living and working in Russia for nearly a decade before his arrest. He was detained in August 2021 after Russian authorities discovered the cannabis, which he used to manage chronic back pain. Despite holding a valid medical prescription from Pennsylvania, Russian law does not recognize medical marijuana use, leading to his conviction. His family expressed frustration with the Biden administration for not prioritizing his case earlier, as he was excluded from previous prisoner exchanges, including the 2022 release of basketball star Brittney Griner.
Fogel’s release was secured through negotiations led by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, who made an unannounced trip to Moscow to facilitate the deal. Upon his return to the U.S., Fogel was greeted by President Donald Trump at the White House, where he expressed his gratitude, calling Trump and his team “heroes.” Fogel described himself as “the luckiest man on Earth” and thanked those who worked to secure his freedom. Trump described the agreement as “very fair, very reasonable” and suggested it could be a step toward improving U.S.-Russia relations and ending the war in Ukraine.
Fogel’s family released a statement expressing their relief and gratitude, calling the past three years “the darkest and most painful period of our lives.” His release marks a significant diplomatic achievement, though questions remain about the terms of the agreement and its broader implications for U.S.-Russia relations. At least 10 other Americans remain detained in Russia, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations.
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Russia says its citizen will return from the US in the coming days, after Trump hailed the release of American Marc Fogel.
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Release of Marc Fogel - United States Department of State
Promises made, promises kept. President Trump promised the Fogel family he would bring Marc home, and today, Marc is on his way. After three and a hal
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