Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been detained in Russia for more than three years, has returned to the United States following a negotiated exchange between Moscow and Washington. Fogel, wrapped in an American flag, arrived at the White House where he was warmly welcomed by President Donald Trump. The president expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to help secure Fogel’s release, saying it was “an honor to have played a small role” in bringing him home.
“I love our country, and I’m so happy to be back here. I wish I could articulate it better,” Fogel said, visibly emotional, during a speech in the Diplomatic Reception Room, as reported by CNN.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz released a statement on Tuesday, confirming that President Trump, along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, had successfully negotiated the exchange that led to Fogel’s release. The statement also highlighted President Trump’s ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of detained Americans worldwide.
The White House statement read, “Today, President Donald J. Trump and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who had been detained by Russia. This exchange demonstrates good faith from Russia and a positive step towards ending the brutal war in Ukraine.”
Since his inauguration, President Trump has worked tirelessly to bring detained Americans back home, and he remains committed to securing the release of all those still being held abroad. “By tonight, Marc Fogel will be back on American soil, reunited with his family, thanks to President Trump’s leadership,” the statement concluded.
The White House also celebrated Fogel’s return on social media, with a post on X reading, “Marc Fogel is back!!! Promises made, promises kept!!!”
In his remarks, President Trump also indicated that another American detainee could be released soon, though he did not provide further details. Several Americans remain detained in Russia, including Stephen Hubbard and Ksenia Karelina, both of whom have been officially recognized as wrongfully detained.
When asked if Fogel’s release might be a precursor to a peace deal, Trump noted, “There’s good will in terms of the war,” and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for his role in facilitating the exchange. “You could be a big part of it, actually, because it could be a big, important part of ending the war with Ukraine. We appreciate President Putin for what he did. He was able to pull it off for you,” Trump said, according to CNN.
