President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who was on an unannounced visit to Moscow, secured the release of Mark Fogle, an American teacher detained in Russia since August 2021, the White House announced, quoted by Reuters, the Associated Press and dariknews.bg.
This happened at a time when Trump is seeking to lay the foundation for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine to end Moscow's nearly three-year invasion of Ukraine.
"President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the president's advisers have agreed on an exchange that serves as a show of goodwill on the part of the Russians and a sign that we are moving in the right direction to end of the brutal and horrific war in Ukraine," White House national security adviser Mike Walz said.
Witkoff flew quietly to Russia to pick up Fogle, Reuters noted. Walz said the two had left Russian airspace.
"By tonight, Mark Fogle will be on American soil and reunited with his family and loved ones thanks to the leadership of President Trump," Walz said.
Trump said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but gave no clear details other than to insist on an end to the three-year war in Ukraine.
The American teacher was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug smuggling after being detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in August 2021 with 17 grams of marijuana in his luggage. He claims to use it for medical reasons.