President Donald Trump has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for what he described as an act of “goodwill” after Russia released Mark Fogel, a former U.S. Embassy employee sentenced to 14 years for drug smuggling.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated, "Russia has been very good to us, actually. I hope this is the beginning of a relationship that will help us end this war."
When Fogel arrived at the White House, Trump called the arrangement “a very fair deal” but declined to reveal specifics, saying only that Russia “asked for a little.”
"We appreciate President Vladimir Putin for what he did," Trump added, hinting that another American prisoner may be released soon.
Meanwhile, Fogel himself praised Putin, calling his release an act of "generosity and statesmanship."
While Trump declined to reveal specifics of the agreement, he indicated that Russia asked for "a little" in return.
The White House framed Fogel's release as an act of "goodwill" from Russia, with officials suggesting it could be a positive step toward resolving the war in Ukraine.
According to The Moscow Times, the negotiations reportedly involved Trump himself and his closest advisers, including Middle East adviser Steve Witkoff, who personally escorted Fogel out of Russia.
Who is Mark Fogel?
Fogel, an American citizen, was arrested in August 2021 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after attempting to bring marijuana and hashish oil into Russia. At the time, he was a teacher at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, having previously worked at the U.S. Embassy.
He later claimed he used medical marijuana for chronic pain following spinal surgery—a fact supported by medical records. However, Russia strictly prohibits medical marijuana, and Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug smuggling in 2022. He pleaded guilty at trial.
Upon his release, Fogel himself thanked Putin, stating that the Russian president had shown "generosity and a statesmanlike approach" in pardoning him.
Fogel's release is a rare diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Moscow. The White House has hinted that another American detainee could be freed soon, further raising speculation about potential prisoner exchange negotiations.
