American Citizen Marc Fogel Released From Russian Detainment

Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher, was arrested in Russia in August 2021 for possessing 0.6 ounces (17 grams) of medical marijuana.

WASHINGTON - A U.S. Citizen, and American history teacher Marc Fogel, arrested in August of 2021 by Russian authorities has been released to the United States and headed back to American soil.

Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania teacher, was arrested in Russia in August 2021 for possessing 0.6 ounces (17 grams) of medical marijuana, which was prescribed to him in the U.S. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in June 2022. Fogel had been living and working in Russia since 2012, teaching at the Anglo-American School of Moscow.

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said in a statement, "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."

"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," he added.

"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. By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to President Trump’s leadership."

The Biden Administration Had Previously Said It was Working To Release Fogel. Full Report, Statements, Updates On The Release: