The United States published an unidentified Russian prisoner in the context of the agreement to secure Marc Fogel’s freedom, the Kremlin announced on Wednesday.
Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia since 2021, was released on Tuesday. A plane wearing it landed in the United States late last night.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the name of the Russian prisoner would be revealed on his return.
“Recently, work has intensified through the agencies concerned, there have been contacts,” said Peskov at a conference call with journalists, according to the Associated Press. “And these contacts led to the release of Fogel, as well as to one of the citizens of the Russian Federation, who is currently detained in the United States. This citizen of the Russian Federation will also be returned to Russia in the days to come.
FREED American hostage Marc Fogel landed in the United States after years in Russian captivity
President Donald Trump welcomes Marc Fogel to the United States after being released from the Russian guard. (Photo of Win McNamee / Getty Images)
The State Department did not immediately respond Wednesday morning to a request for comments from Fox News Digital.
Fogel, a Pennsylvania history teacher, was serving a 14 -year prison sentence after his arrest in August 2021 at a Russian airport for possession of drugs, which, according to his family and supporters, were medically prescribed on marijuana.
Anne Fogel, her sister, told “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday that she was “so happy to have this massive rock” left her shoulders with the release of her brother.
“I am incredibly grateful to the president,” she added. “Just incredible.”
Fogel said his brother’s situation has “wreaked havoc” on his family, but they “can’t even believe that he is safe and at home and can get medical care”.
American Marc Fogel released from the Russian Guard
Marc Fogel, a history professor in Pennsylvania who worked at the Anglo-American school in Moscow, returned to American soil on Tuesday evening. (The White House via X)
After arriving in the United States, Fogel met President Donald Trump in the White House and called him a hero for obtaining his release.
“I want you to know I’m not at all a hero. And President Trump is a hero,” said Fogel after meeting Trump.
“These men who came from diplomatic service are heroes,” said Fogel. “Senators and representatives who adopted legislation in my honor – they brought me home – they are heroes.”
Fogel reacts during an event organized by President Donald Trump to welcome him again. (Reuters / Kevin Lamarque)
Click here to obtain the Fox News app
Journalists asked on Tuesday if the United States had abandoned anything in exchange for Fogel, Trump replied “not much” without offering additional details.
Landon Mion de Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
