By Gauri Patel
Staff Writer
Marc Fogel, an American history teacher, has been released from Russia in a high-profile exchange negotiated by President Donald Trump and his administration. The White House views Fogel’s return as a development that could help advance negotiation to end the war in Ukraine, according to The Associated Press.
Fogel was detained in August 2021 after traveling through a Moscow airport with a small amount of medically prescribed marijuana. He was deemed wrongfully detained by former President Joe Biden’s administration.
In exchange for Fogel, the United States has released Alexander Vinnik, a convicted Russian cybercriminal who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering last year.
According to Reuters, Vinnik was suspected of funneling billions of dollars made from ransomware attacks and identity theft, among other crimes, through the cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e.
Fogel was draped in an American flag upon arriving at the White House and was greeted personally by Trump. When speaking to reporters, Fogel expressed his gratitude, stating, “I feel like the luckiest man on Earth right now.”
Fogel’s relatives also expressed their relief at his homecoming, remarking, “For the first time in years, our family can look forward to the future with hope,” according to The Associated Press.
While the specifics of the exchange remain unclear, Trump praised the deal as fair and emphasized that it could mark the beginning of an improved relationship with Russia.
“We were treated very nicely by Russia,” Trump said. He expressed hope that this diplomatic breakthrough would pave the way for broader discussions to end the Ukraine conflict, according to The Associated Press.
Fogel’s release was facilitated with the assistance of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was described as instrumental in the negotiations. Additionally, Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who personally accompanied Fogel back to the U.S., noted that bin Salman acted as “a cheerleader for this rapprochement where the two leaders would come together,” according to The Associated Press.
The Trump administration has indicated that further diplomatic efforts are underway.
Trump's national security adviser, Michael Waltz, said the exchange was "a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine,” according to The Associated Press. Additionally, Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, has stated that U.S. officials will be working closely with European allies to outline the potential framework for peace discussions.
According to Reuters, the Kremlin, a term often used to refer to the Russian government, has downplayed Trump and his administration’s notion that this prisoner exchange would facilitate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the agreement will rather help build trust between the nations, rather than serve as a decisive turning point in their strained relationship.
"Of course, such agreements are hardly capable of becoming a breakthrough moment but at the same time, bit by bit, these are steps to build mutual trust, which is now at its lowest point," Peskov said. However, both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have expressed interest in meeting to discuss Trump's proposals for ending the war, according to Reuters.
The release of Fogel highlights a significant diplomatic exchange between the U.S. and Russia, with both sides showing a willingness to engage in further negotiations.
