U.S. President Donald Trump personally welcomed American teacher Marc Fogel back to the United States on February 11. Fogel, freed after three and a half years in a Russian prison, arrived on U.S. soil and headed straight to the White House. Trump praised Russia’s decision, calling it “very fair.” He also hinted at another American’s release on February 12.
A step toward peace in Ukraine?
Trump suggested Fogel’s release signaled Russia’s goodwill regarding the war in Ukraine. “This could be a major step in ending the war,” he stated. Standing beside Fogel, who had an American flag draped over his shoulders, Trump emphasized the importance of diplomacy.
Fogel’s emotional homecoming
Fogel, visibly relieved, expressed his gratitude. “I feel like the luckiest man alive,” he said. He dismissed the idea of being a hero, crediting Trump and the diplomatic team instead. “President Trump is the hero here,” he insisted.
Fogel also acknowledged Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “very generous and statesmanlike” for granting his pardon. He thanked Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, who personally met with Putin in Russia before escorting Fogel home.
Another release on the horizon?
Trump remained tight-lipped about the identity of the person set for release on February 12. He described them as “very special” and someone well-known in the media. Speculation is already swirling about who this might be.
Earlier that day, the White House emphasized that Fogel’s release demonstrated Russia’s willingness to negotiate. The U.S. State Department had previously classified Fogel as “wrongfully detained.”
A harsh sentence for medical marijuana
Russian authorities arrested Fogel in 2021 for possessing medical marijuana prescribed after back surgery. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His family, including his 95-year-old mother, fought tirelessly for his freedom.
National security adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that Trump and his team negotiated Fogel’s release as part of an “exchange.” However, the White House did not disclose what the U.S. had given in return. When pressed, Trump simply responded, “Not much.”
Previous prisoner swaps
Fogel had been excluded from earlier prisoner swaps under President Joe Biden. High-profile exchanges included WNBA star Brittney Griner for arms dealer Viktor Bout and ex-Marine Trevor Reed for drug trafficker Konstantin Yaroshchenko. The largest swap occurred in August 2024, with Russia freeing 16 people, including journalists and security professionals.
Other Americans still behind bars
Despite Fogel’s return, several Americans remain imprisoned in Russia. Among them are musician Michael Travis Leake, U.S. Army staff sergeant Gordon Black, and Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina. Their families continue to push for their release.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had made Fogel’s release a priority. During his confirmation hearing, he stressed that improving U.S.-Russia relations would be impossible without freeing Fogel. “This is a necessary step toward peace, especially in light of the Ukraine crisis,” Rubio stated.
High-profile Russian prisoners in the U.S.
While the U.S. remains secretive about what it traded for Fogel, speculation is rampant. One possible name is Aleksandr Vinnik, also known as “Mr. Bitcoin.” Arrested in Greece in 2017, Vinnik was later extradited to the U.S. on money laundering charges. His lawyers have long lobbied for his release.
On February 11, Vinnik’s legal team held an unexpected videoconference with a California judge. No details were disclosed, and the judge ordered the proceedings to remain sealed. This has only fueled rumors that Vinnik may be part of an upcoming exchange.
