Wrongfully detained in Russia, Marc Fogel meets Trump after long-awaited release 

Marc Fogel, an American teacher who was wrongfully detained in Russia for over three years, returned to the U.S. on Tuesday night, where he was welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. His release was secured as part of a negotiated “exchange,” though details of the deal remain undisclosed.

Fogel, draped in an American flag, appeared visibly emotional as he addressed the press from the Diplomatic Reception Room, expressing gratitude for his return. “Thank you all, and I love our country, and I’m so happy to be back here,” he said, struggling to put his emotions into words.

According to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, the deal was brokered by Trump, Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and the president’s advisers. While specifics of the exchange were not disclosed, the White House called it a “show of good faith” from Russia, suggesting it could pave the way for broader negotiations to end the Ukraine war.

Trump, speaking alongside Fogel, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for his role in the deal, stating, “We appreciate President Putin for what he did.” He hinted that another American detainee is expected to be released soon but declined to provide further details.

Several Americans remain imprisoned in Russia, including Stephen Hubbard and Russian-American dual national Ksenia Karelina, both of whom have been designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department.

CNN contributed to this article.