Mark Fogel, an American schoolteacher, was released from Russian detention after spending over three years in prison. He was welcomed back to the United States by President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, after Fogel’s arrival from Moscow.
Fogel, 63, was arrested in August 2021 and sentenced to 14 years for drug smuggling after being found with 17 grams of marijuana at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. Marijuana is legally prescribed in Pennsylvania, Fogel’s home state.
A Step Toward Better US-Russia Relations
Trump, who has expressed a desire to improve relations with Moscow, viewed Fogel’s release as a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He described it as a gesture of goodwill by Russia and stressed its significance for achieving peace. “This could be an extremely important part of ending the war in Ukraine,” Trump stated.
Trump and Fogel both expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the release, with Fogel wearing an American flag around his shoulders during the welcome. “I feel like the happiest man in the world right now,” Fogel said.
Family Relief and Future Talks
Fogel’s family issued a statement expressing relief, saying the past three years had been the darkest period of their lives. Trump also mentioned the potential release of another person, but did not specify who.
This release comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions, with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Vitkof, meeting with Russian officials in Moscow to facilitate the release.
