U.S. Releases Russian Prisoner Alexander Vinnik in Exchange for Marc Fogel, Official Confirms

 **U.S. Releases Russian Prisoner Alexander Vinnik in Exchange for Marc Fogel, Official Confirms**

In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has agreed to release Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik as part of a deal to secure the freedom of American teacher Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia since 2021. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Vinnik will return to Russia "in the coming days," marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations.

### **Key Details of the Prisoner Exchange:**

- **Marc Fogel:** A history teacher from Pennsylvania, Fogel was arrested in August 2021 at a Russian airport for possessing what his family claims was medically prescribed marijuana. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Fogel was released on Tuesday and has since returned to U.S. soil, where he received a warm welcome.

  

- **Alexander Vinnik:** A Russian national, Vinnik was arrested in Greece in 2017 at the request of the U.S. on charges related to cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering. He was extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in 2024.

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### **Statements from Officials:**

- **Dmitry Peskov (Kremlin Spokesperson):** Peskov revealed that intensified diplomatic efforts between relevant agencies led to Fogel's release and the impending return of Vinnik to Russia. He stated, "These contacts have led to the release of Fogel, as well as one of the citizens of the Russian Federation, who is currently being held in custody in the United States."

- **Anne Fogel (Marc Fogel’s Sister):** Speaking on *Fox & Friends*, Anne expressed her relief and gratitude, saying, "I am so incredibly grateful to the president. Just amazing." She added that her brother’s ordeal had taken a toll on the family, but they were overjoyed to have him back home and receiving medical care.

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### **White House Meeting:**

Following his return, Marc Fogel met with former President Donald Trump at the White House, where he praised Trump and other officials for their role in securing his release. "I want you to know that I am not a hero in this at all. President Trump is a hero," Fogel said. He also acknowledged the efforts of diplomats, senators, and representatives who worked tirelessly to bring him home.

When asked about the terms of the exchange, Trump responded, "Not much," without elaborating further.

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### **Background on the Cases:**

- **Marc Fogel:** Fogel was teaching at the Anglo-American School in Moscow when he was arrested for drug possession. His family maintained that the drugs were prescribed for chronic pain following a back surgery. His case drew widespread attention and calls for his release from U.S. officials and human rights organizations.

- **Alexander Vinnik:** Vinnik was accused of operating BTC-e, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges at the time, which U.S. authorities alleged was used for money laundering and fraud. His arrest and extradition were part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency-related crimes.

- Marc Fogel released from Russia

- Alexander Vinnik prisoner exchange

- U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations

- Marc Fogel returns to the U.S.

- Details of the Fogel-Vinnik swap

- White House meeting with Marc Fogel

- Donald Trump role in prisoner exchange

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