Marc Fogel, released by Russia, returns to the United States and stops at the White House
Washington – Marc FogelAn American school teacher, who has been in Russia since 2021, returned to the United States Tuesday night after the White House announced his release earlier in the day.
The White House released a photo of the joyous Fogel getting on and off the plane at the United Base Andrews, Maryland. White House national security adviser Michael Waltz and Trump administration hostage envoy Adam Boehler were with him.
He was then taken to the White House, with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson greeting outside on the North Porch.
By Getty Images Ting Shen/AFP
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that a Russian citizen who was imprisoned in the United States was released as part of a swap deal including Fogel's release. Peskov said that once he or she returns to Russia, Russia’s identity will be disclosed.
“I think I am the luckiest person in the world now,” Fogel said in a briefing with Mr. Trump in the White House diplomatic reception room, calling the president a “hero” to promote his return.
“I am a middle-class school teacher and am now in the dream world,” Fogel said.
The White House refused to provide details about what the U.S. gave up in its deal with Russia, and Mr. Trump also refused to say how to reach it, describing the term only as “very fair, very reasonable.” The president also teased: “The others you will know will be released tomorrow.”
Mr. Trump will not disclose whether he spoke directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, part of Fogel's release.
Walz had earlier said Mr. Trump's special envoy in the Middle East, Steve Witkoff Designated as “error detention” In the second half of last year, the United States.
“President Trump, Steve Vikov, negotiated a exchange with the president's adviser, and it was a sincere exchange between the Russians and we are moving in the right direction to end Ukraine,” he said in a statement. The cruel and terrible war.” “Since President Trump was sworn in, he has successfully secured the release of Americans detained around the world, and President Trump will continue until all Americans in detention return to the United States.”
Boehler once posted earlier photos of Fogel on the plane and returned to the United States:
Why is Marc Fogel detained?
Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, was arrested by Russian authorities at Moscow airport in 2021.
His family Former President Joe Biden, who once tried to secure his release, especially outside of the prisoner swaps negotiated by the previous administration. In December 2022, Russia was in a One-to-one prisoner exchange For international weapons dealers Victor round.
Then, last August, the Biden administration Ensure release Three Americans from Russia – Wall Street Journal reporter Evan GershkovichNavy veteran Paul Whelan and Russian-American Broadcasting Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva – As part of the 24-person exchange.
In addition to Fogel, the agreement omits several other Americans imprisoned in Russia, including musicians Michael Travis LeakeU.S. Army personnel sergeant Gordon Black and Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina.
In a statement, Fogel's family thanked Mr. Trump and other allies who fought for their release.
“We are grateful, relieved and overwhelmed, and after more than three years of detention, our father, husband and son, Marc Fogel, finally came home,” they said. “Thanks to President Trump.” With firm leadership, Mark will soon return to the land of America, the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today, we are beginning to recover.”
Fogel's legal team Martin de Luca and Andrew Smith also praised the president and his administration for their work in freeing him.
“Marc Fogel's release is historic, long overdue, and proves strong leadership,” they said. “After years of bureaucratic inaction, including consistent refusal to designate Mark as The wrong detention, President Trump was released by Mark in just a few weeks, and did not hesitate to waste time taking decisive action to bring Mark home.”
Pennsylvania Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick cheered Fogel's release.
“Marc Fogel’s return home was long overdue – I know all parts of Pennsylvania, especially his family, would welcome him with open arms,” Fetterman, a Democrat, wrote on X.
“I'm glad that Marc Fogel was finally wrongly held in Russia,” Republican McCormick said in an article. “I've been working with the government since day one.” , I thank President Trump and Secretary Rubio for fulfilling their commitment to Liberty Mark. As I told Mark's mom, Mafa, we had to speak in August, and we had to do everything we could to get Mark home, and that's it The blessings that come finally today.”
Fogel's mother Malphine Fogel has Criticize Biden and his government delays the appointment of his son as Being detained incorrectly. The Secretary of State's decision has jointly developed a plan for the State Department office and federal agencies to ensure the release of detainees.
she File a lawsuit The case was rejected in June last year, but the case was rejected. Malphine Fogel intends to attract more public attention to his son's detention At the July 13 rally With Mr. Trump of Butler, Pennsylvania The gunman fires On the crowd. The president and two others were injured and a man was killed in an assassination attempt.
“I was going to be on stage with him, he wanted to mention it [Marc’s] Name, “Last July, Malphine Fogel told CBS News Pittsburgh.” We will promote it as the world hears. Well, this didn't happen because we didn't come on stage. ”
She met with Mr. Trump before the rally and said he promised to ensure the release of Marc Fogel if elected to the second term.
