Russia has released detained American teacher Marc Fogel, the White House says
Ellen Keelan, center, and other family members rally outside the White House for the release of Marc Fogel, who has been detained in Russia since August 2021, July 15, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Marc Fogel, an American teacher who was deemed wrongfully detained in Russia, has been released in what the White House described as a diplomatic thaw that could advance negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for President Donald Trump, left Russian airspace with Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, and he's expected to be reunited with his family by the end of the day.
Fogel was arrested in August 2021 and was serving a 14-year prison sentence. His family and supporters said he had been traveling with medically prescribed marijuana, and he was designated by President Joe Biden's administration as wrongfully detained in December.
Mike Waltz, Trump's national security adviser, said the U.S. and Russia "negotiated an exchange" to ensure Fogel's release. He did not say what the U.S. side of the bargain entailed. Previous negotiations have occasionally involved reciprocal releases of Russians by the U.S. or its allies.
The release of Fogel, who has family ties in Montana, was greeted with jubilation by Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke, both Republicans.
"This is a major victory for President Trump, the United States and most importantly, Marc Fogel and his family. No American should have to endure this injustice, and I am relieved Marc is on his way home to the country he loves. Thank you, President Trump, for finally securing Mr. Fogel’s safe return,” Daines said in a statement.
Zinke echoed the senator's remarks.
"God bless; Marc Fogel is finally coming home to American soil where he belongs,” he said in a statement. “Marc has a wonderful family in Montana that I know is eagerly awaiting his return. I have met with them many times and I am so glad we are able to report that their nightmare is finally over. Thank you, President Trump, this is a big win. Bravo Zulu.”
Waltz said the development was "a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine." Trump, a Republican, has promised to find a way to end the conflict.
Trump also has talked about having a good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Last month, Trump said that his administration was having "very serious" conversations with Russia about the war.
Fogel's relatives said they were "beyond grateful, relieved and overwhelmed" that he was coming home.
"This has been the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today, we begin to heal," they said. "For the first time in years, our family can look forward to the future with hope."
There was no immediate comment from Moscow about Fogel's release on Tuesday.
Other Americans also remain detained in Russia when they weren't included in a massive prisoner swap last August that freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
Those include U.S.-Russian dual national Ksenia Khavana, who was convicted in August of treason and sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges stemming from a donation of about $52 to a charity aiding Ukraine. The Biden White House at the time called the conviction and sentencing "nothing less than vindictive cruelty."
This story has been updated with comments from U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke.