WASHINGTON — Marc Fogel, an American educator who was classified as wrongfully detained by Russia, has been freed, signifying a potential diplomatic shift that could open pathways for dialogues aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for former President Donald Trump, managed to exit Russian airspace with Fogel, a history instructor from Pennsylvania, and he is anticipated to reunite with his family later today.
Fogel had been incarcerated since August 2021, serving a lengthy 14-year sentence. His family and advocates indicated that he was traveling with medically prescribed marijuana at the time of his arrest, which the Biden administration officially recognized as an instance of wrongful detention in December.
Michael Waltz, who served as national security adviser under Trump, confirmed that negotiations between the U.S. and Russia led to Fogel’s release, although the specifics regarding any concessions made by the U.S. were not disclosed. Previous deals have typically included reciprocal releases involving Russians detained by the U.S. or its allies.
Waltz characterized the recent development as a promising sign, suggesting progress toward ending the horrific and protracted conflict in Ukraine. Trump, a Republican, has made commitments to seek a resolution to the hostilities.
The former president has frequently expressed a desire to maintain a favorable relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Just last month, Trump remarked that his administration had engaged in “very serious” discussions with Russia regarding the war.
During a press conference at the White House, Trump stated, “We were treated very nicely by Russia, actually. I hope that’s the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war.” When pressed about whether the U.S. conceded anything in the negotiations, Trump indicated it was “not much” but refrained from providing further details.
Fogel’s family expressed their profound gratitude, relief, and emotional overwhelm at the news of his return. They conveyed, “This has been the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today, we begin to heal. For the first time in years, our family can look forward to the future with hope.”
As of Tuesday, Moscow had not issued any statement concerning Fogel’s release.
In August, a significant prisoner exchange occurred between the U.S., Russia, and other countries, facilitating the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and American corporate security executive Paul Whelan, among others. However, many Americans still remain imprisoned in Russia, including Fogel, and some have faced significant developments in their cases recently.
One such case involves Ksenia Khavana, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Russia, who was convicted of treason shortly after last August’s prisoner swap. She received a 12-year prison sentence for making a modest donation to a charity that supports Ukraine. At that time, John Kirby, spokesperson for national security at the Biden administration, condemned her sentencing as “nothing less than vindictive cruelty.”
In a related development, an American named Robert Gilman received a sentences exceeding seven years due to alleged assaults on law enforcement officers while serving a prior sentence for another offense. Additionally, Stephen Hubbard was sentenced in a closed trial on charges related to fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.
As the war in Ukraine approaches the conclusion of its third year, the specifics of Trump’s strategy for negotiating peace remain unclear. He has indicated that both parties must make concessions, hinting that Ukraine may have to accept territorial losses.
Fogel’s release, coupled with Trump’s announcement regarding the dispatch of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Kyiv for discussions with Ukrainian leaders, might indicate that strategic plans are beginning to take shape.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, are scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference this week, where the situation in Ukraine is expected to be a focal point.
Kellogg reported that discussions with European officials would revolve around the broad concepts of what Trump envisions for the situation, assessing the interest of the allies. He added, “We will deliver our expectation to the allies. When we return from Munich, we want to provide the president with options to consider when he engages directly in the peace process.”
