Marc Fogel Released from Russian Detention, Returns to U.S. Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania schoolteacher who had been detained in Russia since 2021, was released and returned to the United States on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Fogel, who had been sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug-trafficking charges after Russian officials found less than an ounce of marijuana in his luggage, was greeted at the White House by former President Donald Trump. Trump described Fogel’s release as a “show of good faith” from Russia and suggested it could play a role in ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Fogel, 63, expressed his gratitude upon his return, stating, “I feel like the luckiest man on earth right now. I’m a middle-class schoolteacher who’s now in a dream world.” His release was facilitated by Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who traveled to Moscow to negotiate the deal. Trump also hinted at another release of a detainee, though no further details were provided.
The exchange was part of ongoing backchannel negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, with both sides acknowledging the importance of such agreements in building trust. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian citizen, identified as Alexander Vinnik, a cryptocurrency operator convicted of money laundering, would be released in return. Peskov noted that while such deals are positive, they are unlikely to be a “turning point” in U.S.-Russia relations.
Fogel’s family, who had long advocated for his release, expressed relief and gratitude. In a statement, they said, “This has been the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today, we begin to heal.” Fogel had been working as a teacher at the Anglo-American School of Moscow since 2012 and had previously served as a diplomat at the U.S. embassy there. His arrest in 2021 and subsequent imprisonment drew widespread attention, particularly after he was excluded from earlier prisoner exchanges involving other Americans detained in Russia.
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) commended Trump and Witkoff for their efforts, calling Fogel’s return “long overdue.” The release highlights the complex diplomatic maneuvers between the U.S. and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both sides cautiously optimistic about the potential for further negotiations.
Marc Fogel: Trump says another release to come as he greets US teacher freeed by Russia
President claims release of Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel, held in Russia since 2021, could be an important part of ending the Ukraine war
www.theguardian.com
Fetterman commends Trump, envoy on Marc Fogel release
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) commended President Trump for coordinating the release of American Marc Fogel from Russian detainment. “Marc Fogel’s retu
thehill.com
Kremlin says Russian citizen released in US after Trump greets freed teacher
Russia says its citizen will return from the US in the coming days, after Trump hailed the release of American Marc Fogel.
www.bbc.com
Trump administration secures release of Marc Fogel from Russia
Fogel was not included in a multi-country prisoner swap in 2024 that freed two American journalists.
www.politico.com