The Trump administration announced Tuesday that Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia, has been released and is on his way back to the U.S. after spending over three years in prison.
Fogel was detained in 2021 and convicted in 2022 for possession of medical marijuana. A Russian judge then sentenced him to 14 years in prison. The Biden administration at the time considered Fogel “wrongfully detained.”
Fogel was in Russia to complete a 10-year teaching contract.
Watch related coverage: Marc Fogel's family finds new hope after wrongful detainment designation in Russia
The Trump administration said it negotiated an exchange, but the White House has not said what the U.S. had to do to secure his release.
"President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s advisers negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine,” national security adviser Mike Waltz said. “Since President Trump’s swearing-in, he has successfully secured the release of Americans detained around the world, and President Trump will continue until all Americans being held are returned to the United States. By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to President Trump’s leadership."
His sister Anne Fogel — who lives in Missoula — told the Scripps News Group that her brother has serious medical issues.
“He's 63 years old and he has a long list of medical conditions. He needs to be prioritized because of his health and his age and because he doesn't belong there," she said.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement following the announcement that Marc Fogel would be returning home:
“This is a major victory for President Trump, the United States and most importantly, Marc Fogel and his family. No American should have to endure this injustice, and I am relieved Marc is on his way home to the country he loves. Thank you, President Trump, for finally securing Mr. Fogel’s safe return."
- MTN News contributed to this report.
