Marc Fogel, imprisoned for drug charges in Russia for over three years, has finally been released due to negotiation efforts led by Steve Witkoff, a representative of President Trump with a special focus on Middle East affairs. The Fogel family, who had engaged in protests outside of the White House in 2023, can now attempt to find little solace in the late return of their loved one. Mr. Fogel was arrested and charged with bringing medical marijuana into Russia in August 2021 and prior to his release, had been serving a 14-year sentence since June 2022.
By marvelously securing the release of an incarcerated American in Russia, President Trump revealed once again the effectiveness of his administration’s policy and negotiation tactics. The negotiation with the Kremlin was skillfully managed by Mr. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. The arrested teacher, Marc Fogel, had been accused of bringing medical marijuana into Russia back in August 2021. After lengthy and drawn-out court proceedings, Fogel was eventually released by the Kremlin and escorted out of the country on Mr. Witkoff’s plane.
Despite Mr. Fogel starting his sentence in June of 2022, the Biden administration only saw fit to label him as ‘wrongfully detained’ towards the end of the year. One can’t help but question the tardiness of this recognition, especially given the timing of Fogel’s imprisonment.
Steve Witkoff, a billionaire from New York with significant clout in the real estate world and a close friend of Mr. Trump, was the chief architect of this deal. Despite steps taken to keep the negotiations quiet, his presence in Moscow became evident when he flew there on his private jet, an event that was duly noted by online flight trackers. His jaunt to Moscow was the first known visit by a high-ranking U.S. official since the then C.I.A. director, William J. Burns, sought discourse with Russia in November 2021 to stave off a potential invasion of Ukraine.
Mike Waltz, who served as Mr. Trump’s national security adviser, confirmed the news of Fogel’s release and the significant role Mr. Witkoff played in securing it. According to Waltz, it was under the direct command of the president that Witkoff ensured Mr. Fogel’s safe exit from Russia. However, he offered no details regarding the particulars of the exchange, including whether the United States or any of its allies conceded to release another individual or took additional measures to secure Mr. Fogel’s freedom.
Bearing evidence of the Trump administration’s hardline diplomacy, Waltz announced, ‘President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the president’s advisers negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.’ The effectiveness of these negotiations stands in stark contrast to recent policies put forth by the Biden administration.