Marc Fogel, a US history teacher detained in Russia since 2021, has been released in a move hailed as a diplomatic thaw by the White House. Fogel's release could pave the way for further negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. While details of the deal remain undisclosed, it marks a significant step in easing tensions between the two nations. This development comes amid former President Trump's efforts to engage in dialogue with Russia regarding the ongoing conflict.
A drawn portrait of Marc Fogel , who has been detained in Russia since August 2021, hangs on rails outside of the White House in Washington during a demonstration organized by his family in 2023., has been released in what the White House described as a diplomatic thaw that could advance negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, left Russia n airspace with his release and is expected to be reunited with his family by the end of the day.
Fogel was arrested in August 2021 and was serving a 14-year prison sentence. His family and supporters said he had been traveling with medically prescribed marijuana, and he was designated by President Joe Biden’s administration as wrongfully detained in December. Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, said the U.S. and Russia “negotiated an exchange” to ensure Fogel’s release. He did not say what the U.S. side of the bargain entailed. Previous negotiations have occasionally involved reciprocal releases of Russians by the U.S. or its allies. Waltz said the development was “a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.” Trump, a Republican, has promised to find a way to end the conflict. Trump also has talked about having a good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Last month, Trump said that his administration was having “very serious” conversations with Russia about the war. Fogel’s relatives said they were “beyond grateful, relieved and overwhelmed” that he was coming home. “This has been the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today, we begin to heal,” they said. “For the first time in years, our family can look forward to the future with hope.”Other Americans also remain detained in Russia when they weren’t included in a massive prisoner swap last August that freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Those include U.S.-Russian dual national Ksenia Khavana, who was convicted in August of treason and sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges stemming from a donation of about $52 to a charity aiding Ukraine. The Biden White House at the time called the conviction and sentencing “nothing less than vindictive cruelty.
Politics Marc Fogel Russia US Diplomatic Relations Ukraine War Prisoner Exchange Donald Trump Joe Biden
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