Marc Fogel released from Russian prison
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Marc Fogel with his mother, Malphine Fogel. Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Hyland
Pennsylvanian Marc Fogel was released from Russian prison Tuesday after spending more than three years locked away for bringing a small amount of medical cannabis into the country.
Why it matters: Fogel, a resident of Pittsburgh suburb Oakmont, wasn't included in previous prisoner exchanges with Russia, despite having committed a violation similar to Brittney Griner, who was released in December 2022.
Driving the news: The White House announced Tuesday that Fogel was leaving Russian airspace with President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and would be back on American soil by Tuesday night.
- U.S. envoy for hostages Adam Boehler posted a photo Tuesday of Fogel on an airplane, kissing a glass.
Context: Fogel, 63, who was a teacher at the Anglo-American School of Moscow, was arrested in August 2021 in Moscow for carrying around a half-ounce of medical cannabis. Fogel was sentenced in June 2022 to 14 years in prison by Russian authorities.
State of play: During his campaign, Trump promised to return Fogel to America, and he's making good on that pledge.
Yes, but: No details about the exchange were immediately released except that it "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," wrote national security adviser Mike Waltz in a statement.
What they're saying: "We are all elated, and overwhelmed," Fogel's sister Lisa Hyland tells Axios.
- "Marc Fogel's return home is long overdue — and I know all of Pennsylvania, especially his family, will be welcoming him back with open arms," Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman posted on X.
- "Our prayers have been answered," Republican U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler wrote on X.