US President Trump Seeks More American Detainee Releases from Russia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that President Donald Trump is committed to securing the release of all American citizens currently imprisoned in Russian facilities. This announcement follows the recent liberation of Marc Fogel, a former US Embassy employee who was held on drug trafficking charges.
Marc Fogel, a teacher from Pennsylvania, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in August 2021 after losing his diplomatic immunity. He was sentenced to 14 years for possession of marijuana, which he claimed was medically prescribed. On Tuesday, Fogel was freed and picked up by the plane of US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The White House praised the release as a “show of good faith,” stating that it signifies progress in potentially ending the conflict in Ukraine. Rubio acknowledged this development and emphasized Washington’s determination to free more Americans from Russian custody. He highlighted Trump’s commitment to fulfilling his promise to bring all detained US citizens home.
Currently, at least nine Americans remain imprisoned in Russia on charges ranging from espionage and drug-related offenses to allegations of assault. Their sentences vary widely, with prison terms spanning from under four years to 21 years. Fogel’s release marks the first such instance during Trump’s second term, following a significant US-Russia prisoner exchange in August 2024 that involved 26 individuals.
Trump expressed gratitude towards Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating Fogel’s release and confirmed that another detained American would be freed on Wednesday, although he did not provide further details. As the US continues its efforts to secure the liberation of all its citizens imprisoned in Russia, the diplomatic landscape remains dynamic and closely watched.