Marc Fogel, Oakmont teacher detained in Russia, released as part of exchange

Marc Fogel, an Oakmont teacher and Butler native who was detained at a Russian airport over three years ago, has been released as part of an exchange, according to White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

We’ll have LIVE coverage on this breaking story on Channel 11 News starting at 4 p.m.

Fogel was taken into custody at a Russian airport in August of 2021. He was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony for having a small amount of medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor for chronic back issues.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family of Oakmont teacher detained in Russia still fighting to bring him home 2 years later

“Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia. President Trump, Steve Witkoff and the President’s advisors negotiated an exchange that serves as a show of good faith from the Russians and a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine,” Waltz said in part of a statement.

Waltz went on to say to say that Fogel will be back on American soil and reunited with his loved ones by Tuesday night.

United States Envoy for Hostages Ambassador Adam Boehler shared what he calls a “real time photo” of Fogel on his way home. The photo shows Fogel on a plane with a U.S. passport in his hand.

NBC News confirms that Fogel is being flown back to the U.S. on Steve Witkoff’s private plane. The plane is currently expected to land at Joint Base Andrews around 9 p.m. President Donald Trump is expected to greet Fogel at the White House at 10 p.m.

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