Russia releases American teacher jailed over medicinal cannabis after more than three years
Mr Fogel’s release comes six months after he was excluded from the biggest
prisoner swap since the Cold War.
Tuesday 11 February 2025 22:01, UK
An American teacher sentenced to 14 years in a Russian jail has been released
and is flying home to be reunited with his family.
Marc Fogel, 63, was pictured on a flight to the US on Tuesday – more than three
years after he was arrested in Moscow for drug smuggling.
He was detained after travelling with what his family said was medically
prescribed cannabis. In December, the US government designated him as wrongfully
detained.
Mr Fogel left Russia [https://news.sky.com/topic/russia-5803] with Middle East
envoy Steve Witkoff in what officials said could help bring about talks to end
the Ukraine [https://news.sky.com/topic/ukraine-6556] war.
US national security adviser Mike Waltz said: “President Trump
[https://news.sky.com/topic/donald-trump-5711], Steve Witkoff and the
president’s advisers negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith
from the Russians”.
“By tonight, Marc Fogel will be on American soil and reunited with his family
and loved ones thanks to President Trump’s leadership,” he added.
Moscow has so far not commented and it is unclear what concessions the US might
have made.
“We are beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed that after more than three
years of detention, our father, husband, and son, Marc Fogel, is finally coming
home,” the family said in a statement.
They said their time apart had been “the darkest and most painful period of our
lives”.
Mr Waltz said the deal was “a sign we are moving in the right direction to end
the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine”.
Donald Trump said last month his administration was involved in “very serious”
talks with Russia about the future of the conflict.
Read more from Sky News:
Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports
[https://news.sky.com/story/trump-imposes-25-tariffs-on-all-steel-and-aluminium-imports-13306942]
Armie Hammer addresses cannibalism and assault allegations
[https://news.sky.com/story/armie-hammer-addresses-cannibalism-and-assault-allegations-13307203]
Follow our channel and never miss an update
Mr Fogel’s release comes six months after he was excluded from the biggest
prisoner swap since the Cold War
[https://news.sky.com/story/british-citizen-among-high-profile-prisoners-released-in-massive-swap-between-russia-and-the-west-13188851].
That historic deal won the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan
Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan, among others.
Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov was among those released from Western prisons in
exchange.
However, US-Russian national Ksenia Khavana remains locked up after getting a
12-year treason sentence
[https://news.sky.com/story/ksenia-karelina-ballerina-sentenced-to-12-years-in-prison-after-donating-40-to-ukraine-charity-13197219]
in August related to a $52 donation to a charity benefiting Ukraine.
