Marc Fogel, an American teacher who was arrested in Russia on drug charges in 2021, has been released and is back in the United States. The White House confirmed his release on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Fogel, 63, had been serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian prison colony. In October 2024, the U.S. State Department declared that he was “wrongfully detained.” His release was part of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia.
Fogel Arrives in the U.S.
A White House official confirmed that Fogel landed on U.S. soil around 9:30 p.m. and arrived at the White House shortly after 10 p.m. President Donald Trump personally welcomed him home.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said that Fogel’s release was a sign of improving relations between the U.S. and Russia. He also mentioned that the U.S. is working toward ending the war in Ukraine. President Trump expressed hope that this could lead to better diplomatic ties and stop the ongoing violence.
How Was Fogel Released?
Trump was asked if the U.S. gave Russia anything in return for Fogel’s release. He responded, “Not much, no. They were very nice to us.” The U.S. government has not revealed if there was an exchange. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. remains committed to bringing home other Americans still detained in Russia.
Fogel’s Arrest and Sentence
Fogel worked as a teacher at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, where many U.S. embassy staff sent their children. In August 2021, he was arrested at a Moscow airport for carrying 11 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of hash oil. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug smuggling, a charge his family believes was unfair. The U.S. had been pushing for his humanitarian release.
The Family’s Reaction
Fogel’s lawyer confirmed that he left Russia early Tuesday. His family was overjoyed. His mother, Malphine Fogel, received a surprise phone call from him while he was at Moscow’s airport. She described it as a “beautiful shocker” and said, “We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.”
His sister, Anne Fogel, shared that he would first receive medical care in Texas before reuniting with the family in Pittsburgh. She described him as “resilient” and eager to be home.
Celebration in Pennsylvania
Elected officials in Pennsylvania praised Fogel’s release. Governor Josh Shapiro and Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick thanked the Trump administration for securing his freedom.
Fogel’s return marks the end of a long struggle for his family, who never gave up hope of bringing him home.
