American hostage Marc Fogel gets emotional, says “Trump is a HERO” on return from Russian captivity

In a move that marks a significant diplomatic development, Russia has released Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been imprisoned for over three years on drug charges. Fogel, who was arrested in 2021 for bringing medical marijuana into Russia, was freed as part of a deal orchestrated by Steve Witkoff, a close ally of former President Donald Trump and his special envoy to the Middle East.

Fogel had been serving a 14-year sentence since 2022, though the Biden administration only classified him as wrongfully detained late last year. His release came after private negotiations led by Witkoff, who flew to Moscow in a bid to secure his freedom. Upon returning to the U.S., Fogel was greeted by Trump at the White House, visibly emotional and expressing his gratitude.

While details of the negotiation remain unclear, Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, hinted that the exchange might be a “gesture of good faith” from Russia, potentially paving the way for future talks about the war in Ukraine. The release, which is distinct from typical prisoner exchanges, signals a new approach to handling U.S.-Russia relations.

The deal has been framed as a sign of improving ties, as President Putin’s administration moves to build better relations with the Trump-led faction, despite ongoing tensions over Ukraine. Fogel’s family expressed immense relief, thanking Trump for his role in securing his release. Trump's team has hinted at more developments to follow, with another American’s release expected soon.

The arrangement is notable for its speed, with critics highlighting how the Biden administration had not pursued Fogel's wrongful detention classification as aggressively, resulting in his extended imprisonment. Meanwhile, the diplomatic discussions hint at a broader negotiation channel aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine and stabilizing U.S.-Russia relations.