Rubio says Trump is determined to "free every American held in Russia"
Following the release of Marc Fogel, Marco Rubio stated that Donald Trump is dedicated to securing the return of all Americans held in Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The US president earlier signaled that he expects the release of another detainee later this week.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump is committed to securing the release of all Americans held in Russia. This announcement came after Moscow released US national Marc Fogel, a former employee of the US Embassy who faced a 14-year prison sentence due to drug trafficking charges.
Fogel, a Pennsylvania-based teacher, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in August 2021, shortly after losing his diplomatic immunity. Authorities discovered marijuana in his possession, which he claimed was for medical purposes.
On Tuesday, Fogel was picked up by a plane belonging to Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East. The White House characterized the release as a “show of good faith,” noting that it signifies “we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.”
In response to this development, Rubio emphasized that Washington is working to liberate even more Americans from Russian detention. "Promises made, promises kept. President Trump promised the Fogel family he would bring Marc home, and today, Marc is on his way. After three and a half years of detention in Russia, Marc is finally free. Marc’s release is also a reminder that other American citizens are still detained in Russia. President Trump is committed to bringing all of them home," a statement from the State Department indicated.
Trump expressed gratitude towards Russian President Vladimir Putin for his role in facilitating the deal. He also confirmed that another American detainee would be released on Wednesday, though he did not provide additional details.
Currently, there are at least nine Americans still held in Russia on various charges, including espionage, drug offenses, and assault allegations. Their prison sentences vary widely, ranging from under four years to as much as 21 years, according to AP.
Fogel’s release is significant as it marks the first occasion that an American held in Russia has been freed during Trump’s second term. The last notable prisoner exchange between the US and Russia occurred in August 2024, involving 26 individuals and marking the largest swap since the Cold War.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump is committed to securing the release of all Americans held in Russia. This announcement came after Moscow released US national Marc Fogel, a former employee of the US Embassy who faced a 14-year prison sentence due to drug trafficking charges.
Fogel, a Pennsylvania-based teacher, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in August 2021, shortly after losing his diplomatic immunity. Authorities discovered marijuana in his possession, which he claimed was for medical purposes.
On Tuesday, Fogel was picked up by a plane belonging to Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East. The White House characterized the release as a “show of good faith,” noting that it signifies “we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.”
In response to this development, Rubio emphasized that Washington is working to liberate even more Americans from Russian detention. "Promises made, promises kept. President Trump promised the Fogel family he would bring Marc home, and today, Marc is on his way. After three and a half years of detention in Russia, Marc is finally free. Marc’s release is also a reminder that other American citizens are still detained in Russia. President Trump is committed to bringing all of them home," a statement from the State Department indicated.
Trump expressed gratitude towards Russian President Vladimir Putin for his role in facilitating the deal. He also confirmed that another American detainee would be released on Wednesday, though he did not provide additional details.
Currently, there are at least nine Americans still held in Russia on various charges, including espionage, drug offenses, and assault allegations. Their prison sentences vary widely, ranging from under four years to as much as 21 years, according to AP.
Fogel’s release is significant as it marks the first occasion that an American held in Russia has been freed during Trump’s second term. The last notable prisoner exchange between the US and Russia occurred in August 2024, involving 26 individuals and marking the largest swap since the Cold War.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
