Diplomatic Breakthrough; Steve Witkoff's Role in Marc Fogel's Release from Russia
Steve Witkoff, a top Trump administration official, played a pivotal role in securing the release of American teacher Marc Fogel from Russian custody after more than three years of detention. Fogel, who was arrested in 2021 for carrying medical cannabis into Russia, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on charges of “large-scale drug smuggling.” His release on February 11, 2025, marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough in U.S.-Russian relations, which had been strained for years.
Witkoff, who traveled to Moscow as part of the negotiations, emphasized the importance of Fogel’s return but declined to confirm whether the U.S. had exchanged a Russian prisoner in return. Russian officials, however, claimed that Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cryptocurrency operator detained in the U.S. since 2017, was released as part of the deal. Vinnik had pleaded guilty to laundering $4 billion and faced up to 20 years in prison.
President Trump welcomed Fogel at the White House, praising Russian President Vladimir Putin for his cooperation and calling the exchange a “fair deal.” Trump’s administration viewed Fogel’s release as a step toward improving relations with Russia and potentially advancing peace talks to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Witkoff, in interviews with NewsNation and CNN, highlighted the significance of Trump’s relationship with Putin in facilitating the negotiation. He refrained from disclosing details about any potential prisoner swap, focusing instead on the broader implications of Fogel’s return. White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz described the exchange as a “show of good faith” from Russia.
Fogel, a Pennsylvania native, had been teaching in Moscow when he was arrested. The Biden administration had previously classified him as a wrongfully detained American citizen. His release has been celebrated as a diplomatic victory, with Trump administration officials expressing optimism that it could pave the way for further progress in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war.
American teacher Marc Fogel back in U.S. after Russia releases him from detention
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!!! đșđž the White House said on X.
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