In a high-stakes prisoner exchange, the United States has released Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik as part of a deal to secure the freedom of American teacher Marc Fogel, according to an official from the Trump administration.
Fogel, who had been detained in Russia since 2021, arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday night. A plane carrying him landed safely, marking the end of a long ordeal for his family and supporters.
Vinnik was arrested in 2017 in Greece at the request of the U.S. on cryptocurrency fraud charges. Later extradited to the U.S., he pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the prisoner swap, stating that the name of the Russian citizen involved would be revealed upon his return home.
“Recently, work has intensified through relevant agencies, leading to the release of Marc Fogel and a Russian citizen held in U.S. custody,” Peskov told reporters. The Russian prisoner will return to Russia within the next few days.
Marc Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, was arrested in August 2021 at a Russian airport for possession of medically prescribed marijuana. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His family maintained that the marijuana was prescribed for medical reasons.
After his release, Fogel met with President Donald Trump at the White House. He expressed deep gratitude to the president for his efforts in securing his release.
“I am so incredibly grateful to the president. Just amazing,” said Fogel’s sister, Anne, during an interview on Fox & Friends.
Anne added that her brother’s situation had taken a heavy toll on the family, but they are thrilled to have him back home. “We can’t even believe he’s safe, home, and getting the medical attention he needs.”
Upon returning to the U.S., Fogel called President Trump a hero for leading efforts to secure his release. “The president is a hero,” Fogel said. He also praised the diplomats, senators, and representatives who played a role in his freedom.
When asked by reporters if the U.S. gave up anything significant in the exchange, President Trump responded with a quick, “Not much,” without further details. — Fox News
