MOSCOW — President Donald Trump has announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reached an agreement to initiate discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. In a social media update on Wednesday, Trump shared details of his recent conversation with Putin and emphasized their commitment to collaborating closely on this matter.
This phone call followed a prisoner exchange, which saw the release of American educator Marc Fogel, who had spent over three years in Russian detention. In return, Russian authorities confirmed that Alexander Vinnik, a convicted criminal, would be expelled to Russia as part of the deal, according to reports from two U.S. officials who requested anonymity while discussing the sensitive nature of the exchange.
Vinnik was apprehended in Greece back in 2017 at the behest of U.S. authorities on accusations of cryptocurrency fraud. He was later extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty last year to charges related to conspiracy and money laundering. Currently, he remains in custody in California and is awaiting repatriation to Russia, as confirmed by the anonymous officials.
The Kremlin has also acknowledged the swap, indicating that a Russian national had been liberated in the United States in exchange for Fogel but withheld the individual’s identity until their safe return to Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the unnamed individual was expected to arrive back in Russia shortly, and their identity would be disclosed only upon their return, differing from past practices where identities were revealed immediately during similar exchanges.
Peskov stated that efforts had recently intensified among the relevant agencies and contacts that led to both Fogel’s release and the return of the Russian citizen detainee. When pressed to confirm whether Vinnik was the one being freed, Peskov reiterated that the announcement regarding the individual’s name would be made later. Notably, Vinnik’s original arrest stemmed from significant U.S.-led investigations into cryptocurrency illicit activities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also commented on the issue, indicating a desire for discretion concerning the negotiations that resulted in Fogel’s release. He voiced concern that U.S. officials had hastily disclosed the information, stating that effective diplomatic relations thrive on confidentiality—unlike the recent public announcements from Washington.
Marc Fogel, a history teacher from the United States, was considered wrongfully detained by the Kremlin before being released and returned to the U.S. on Tuesday, a return heralded by the White House as a potential sign of thawing diplomatic relations that could aid in brokering peace in Ukraine. Fogel had been serving a lengthy 14-year sentence after his arrest in August 2021.
Following his return, Trump received Fogel at the White House, expressing hope that this moment could lay the groundwork for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. He noted on Tuesday that Russian engagement had been friendly and extended optimism that this would mark the beginning of a positive relationship capable of ending the ongoing conflict.
The Kremlin has remained cautious about characterizing the exchange, suggesting that while it may bolster mutual understanding, it does not signify a major breakthrough. Peskov highlighted that the current state of trust is at a low point and that arrangements like these are merely small steps towards fostering better relations.
