Russia freed American schoolteacher Marc Fogel on Tuesday. His release followed an unexpected visit to Moscow by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. President Donald Trump confirmed Fogel was on his way to the White House.

A Step Toward Stronger Relations

Fogel, 63, had been in Russian custody since August 2021. He was serving a 14-year sentence. His release comes as Trump works to improve ties with Moscow and end the Ukraine conflict.

Fogel’s Return Home

Trump told reporters Fogel would visit the White House upon arrival. White House national security advisor Mike Waltz said he would reunite with his family. They were overjoyed by the news.

A photo on social media from Trump’s top hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, showed Fogel on an aircraft. He held a glass, a cheese plate, and his US passport.

A Goodwill Gesture by Russia

When asked about the exchange, Trump said, “Not much.” He called the release an act of goodwill from Russia.

“We were treated very nicely by Russia. Actually, I hope that’s the beginning of a relationship where we can end that (Ukraine) war and millions of people can stop being killed,” Trump said.

Fogel’s Arrest and Sentence

Russian authorities detained Fogel at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in August 2021. They found 17 grams of marijuana in his luggage. He said it was for medical use. Still, he was sentenced to 14 years for drug smuggling.

Family’s Relief

The Fogel family released a statement expressing gratitude. “We are beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed that after more than three years of detention, our father, husband, and son, Marc Fogel, is finally coming home. This has been the darkest and most painful period of our lives, but today, we begin to heal.”

Unclear Reasons for Release

Fogel’s Russian lawyer, Dmitry Ovsyannikov, confirmed his release. However, the reason remains unclear. “For the moment, we don’t know on what grounds he was released from where he was serving time – a pardon or something else,” Ovsyannikov told TASS.

Transfer Before Release

Last week, Russian authorities moved Fogel from a prison in Rybinsk to a pre-trial detention center in Moscow. His release followed soon after, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

Fogel Was Left Out of Previous Prisoner Swap

Fogel was not part of the August prisoner exchange. That swap involved 24 prisoners, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

Trump’s Talks with Putin

Trump suggested he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he did not reveal details. He stressed his commitment to ending the war in Ukraine.

“We’re making good progress there. I think, I really think we’re making some very good progress,” Trump told reporters Tuesday.