In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump welcomed American teacher Marc Fogel to the White House on February 11, 2025, following Fogel’s release from a Russian prison. Fogel, 63, had been detained since August 2021 after Russian authorities discovered a small amount of medical marijuana in his luggage, prescribed for a chronic spinal condition.He was therefore condemned to 14 years in a high-security correctional state.
The delivery was worked with by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s unique emissary, who headed out to Moscow to arrange the terms. Upon his return, Fogel offered critical much obliged, communicating, “I embrace a fresh chance to take life by the horns on Earth at the present time.I’m a working class teacher who’s currently in a fantasy land.” President Trump, remaining close by Fogel, commented, “As far as I might be concerned, he looks cursed great,” and both stretched out on account of Russian President Vladimir Putin for his collaboration in the delivery.
While the particular subtleties of the trade stay undisclosed, President Trump portrayed the terms as “exceptionally fair, entirely sensible. Dislike bargains you’ve seen throughout the long term.” He additionally indicated the impending arrival of another individual, expressing, “Another person is being delivered tomorrow that you will know about.”
Public safety Counselor Mike Three step dance depicted Fogel’s delivery as “an example of honesty from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the correct course to end the merciless and horrible conflict in … .” This improvement is viewed as a likely move toward facilitating pressures and propelling dealings to finish up the continuous struggle.
Fogel’s family, who had been advocating for his release, expressed immense relief. In a statement, they said, “This has been the darkest … , but today, we begin to heal. For … , … .”
This occasion highlights the developing political elements between the US and Russia, with the two countries showing a readiness to participate in discourse and possibly resolve more extensive international issues.