A Russian national who pleaded guilty in the United States to money laundering charges was released in exchange for Marc Fogel, the American schoolteacher detained in Russia.
Alexander Vinnik, the Russian national, who operated a cryptocurrency exchange, will return to Russia as part of the agreement, according to sources familiar with the exchange.
The Exchange Deal
Fogel returned to the United States and met with President Donald Trump following his release. The New York Times first reported Vinnik's release.
Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, led the negotiations and traveled to Russia to secure Fogel's release. He refrained from discussing whether he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the negotiations.
Securing Fogel's Release
Witkoff shared insights on how the United States facilitated Fogel's release, shedding light on the intricacies of the negotiation process.
Fogel, a former English language school teacher in Moscow, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being detained for marijuana possession at a Russian airport. The Biden administration contested his detention, asserting it was unjust.
Diplomatic Discussions
Trump hailed Fogel's return as a gesture of goodwill from the Russians and a step towards ending the conflict in Ukraine. He later engaged in a productive phone call with Putin.
The negotiation team included key figures like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, as well as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
This diplomatic exchange highlights the complexities of international negotiations and the involvement of various stakeholders.