Marc Fogel, a US educator who spent fifteen months in Russian detention on drug-trafficking charges, was released on Tuesday.

Fogel, who received a fourteen-year sentence, was freed after a surprise visit to Moscow from Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East.

In a statement, Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, remarked that the exchange was a sign of good faith from Russia and represented progress in addressing the conflict in Ukraine.

Trump later expressed optimism that Fogel's release would signal a revival of relations with Moscow.

Fogel, who had been teaching at the Anglo-American School of Moscow since 2012 and had previous experience in Oman and Malaysia, was arrested in 2021 at a Moscow airport when authorities found a small amount of marijuana in his luggage.

His family, who had been anxiously awaiting his release, voiced immense relief and gratitude in a statement, describing this ordeal as the most difficult time of their lives and stating that they now look forward to rebuilding their future at home.

Reports suggest that the negotiation for his release was conducted discreetly, with initial speculation arising when Witkoff’s private plane was seen landing in Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated he was unaware of the envoy’s arrival.

Fogel's release comes in the wake of earlier prisoner swaps, including those involving Wall Street journalist Evan Gershkovich and US Marine Paul Whelan, although Fogel's case was not classified as wrongful detention until late last year.

The situation highlights ongoing backchannel discussions between the US and Russia, with President Trump noting that he had conversed with Russian President Vladimir Putin about pursuing a negotiated resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Fogel is anticipated to return to the United States later on Tuesday.