Trump secures release of American, Marc Fogel serving 14 years sentence in Russia

President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Tuesday the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained by Russia.
National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz said Trump, and his Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s advisors negotiated the exchange.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia,” National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said in a statement.
Fox News reports that Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, was serving a 14-year prison sentence after his arrest in August 2021 at a Russian airport.
He was arrested for being in possession of drugs, which his family and supporters said were medically prescribed marijuana.
According to the report, Fogel, 63, was designated as wrongfully detained by the United States government.
In the nine years leading up to his arrest, he was teaching at the Anglo-American School in Moscow.
In a statement, Fogel’s wife Jane and sons Ethan and Sam said they were “beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed” that he had been released.
“Thanks to the unwavering leadership of President Trump, Marc will soon be back on American soil, free where he belongs,” they said.
Meanwhile, Fogel’s Russian legal team said the release marks a new chapter and fosters hope for the improvement of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia.
Trump secures release of American, Marc Fogel serving 14 years sentence in Russia