WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump welcomed home an American educator late Tuesday after he was released from Russian custody following more than three years of detention. However, the president declined to specify the terms of the deal that led to his return.
Marc Fogel, 63, was arrested in August 2021 at a Moscow airport when authorities discovered less than an ounce of marijuana in his possession. Fogel, a longtime teacher who had worked in several countries, including Russia for nine years, stated that the substance was for medical use to manage chronic back pain. He had previously taught at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, where he instructed children of diplomats.
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In 2022, Russian authorities sentenced Fogel to 14 years in a high-security prison—a punishment widely condemned as excessive. His case became emblematic of the deteriorating relations between the United States and Russia, with many viewing him as a bargaining chip in the ongoing geopolitical struggle between the two nations, told Reuters.
On Tuesday evening, Fogel expressed deep gratitude toward Trump and his team, calling them “heroes” after his release. When reporters pressed reporters about the specifics of the negotiation that secured Fogel’s freedom, Trump remained tight-lipped.
“Very fair. Very, very fair. Very reasonable. Not like deals you’ve seen over the years. They were very fair,” Trump responded when asked about the terms of the exchange. A reporter then sought further clarification. “What were they?” “Somebody else that you will know of is being released tomorrow.
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But we wanted to get this done,” Trump said, without revealing the identity of the second individual being freed. Neither the White House nor State Department officials provided additional details on the agreement. The secrecy surrounding the negotiation has fueled speculation over what concessions may have been made in return for Fogel’s release.
The case underscores the heightened risks Americans face when detained abroad, particularly in adversarial nations. As Fogel reunites with his family, the broader implications of his release—and what it may mean for future diplomatic exchanges—remain uncertain.
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