Marc Fogel Released in U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap as Trump Signals Further Diplomacy

The former teacher, sentenced in Russia for drug smuggling, returns to the U.S. in exchange for an unnamed Russian prisoner, with Trump hinting at more releases and potential talks on Ukraine.

Marc Fogel, a U.S. citizen and former teacher in Moscow, was released from Russian detention after being sentenced to 14 years for drug smuggling in 2022.
The prisoner exchange involved an unidentified Russian national, whose identity will be disclosed upon their return to Russia, according to Kremlin officials.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Fogel at the White House and described the exchange as 'fair and reasonable,' hinting at another imminent release of a 'very special' individual.
Trump's administration views the exchange as a potential step toward rebuilding trust with Russia and advancing efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
This marks the first high-level U.S. diplomatic visit to Moscow in years, with Trump's team emphasizing a shift from the previous administration's limited engagement with Russia.