U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, has secured the release of American hostage Marc Fogel from Russia, White House announced Tuesday, as both were on a flight back to the U.S. where he's expected to be reunited with his family. The 63-year-old was welcomed later in the night at the White House where he called Trump a "hero."
Fogel, an American schoolteacher, was detained in Russia since August 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison for carrying medically prescribed marijuana. The details of the exchange, including what the US gave in return for Fogel's release, have not been disclosed.
Witkoff's unannounced visit to Moscow marks a significant breakthrough in US-Russia relations. He flew Fogel out of Russia on his private jet.
Fogel's release is seen as a "show of good faith" from Russia and a step towards ending the war in Ukraine, according to White House national security adviser Mike Waltz.
"Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia" Waltz wrote in a statement Tuesday. "President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the President’s advisors 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. 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."
Trump administration has reportedly been working to secure Fogel's release and improve relations with Russia as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, also negotiated the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in December.
