American teacher Mark Vogel, was arrested in Russia, claiming that he was carrying the medically prescribed marijuana in 2021, It was released He returned to the United States.

Vogel was serving a 14-year prison sentence for drug smuggling-a charge called the US State Department “unfair”. He got a warm welcome from President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday night.

“I feel the most fortunate on earth at the present time,” Vogel said in the US flag. Trump thanked and other US officials who helped negotiate his release, describing them as “heroes”. Russian President Vladimir Putin also strengthened his role in this process.

Who is Mark Vogel?

Mark Vogel, a 63 -year -old teacher from Pennsylvania, has spent most of his career in international schools around the world, including in Colombia, Malaysia, Oman, Mexico and Venezuela.

A former student in Vogel at Kuala Labor International School, who asked not to be identified, recalled how Vogel would ride a bike to the school, where the model has managed the United Nations, an activity outside the curriculum in which students perform the roles. His students said that he takes off their shoes before entering his chapter, they told the island.

Since 2012, he and his wife have lived in Moscow, where Vogel has taught history at the American School of Anglo, which meets the citizens of the United States and the children of diplomats. He had diplomatic immunity as a school teacher, supported by American, British and Canadian embassies, until 2020, when Russia canceled the diplomatic situation of teachers, claiming that the United States was offended this privilege.

Before his arrest in August 2021, he was planning to teach a last year in Moscow before retirement.

Why was he arrested?

Vogel was detained at the Shermito Airport in Moscow after flying from New York with less than an ounce (28.35 g) of hashish, whose family said was medically described for chronic back pain.

Russia, which has strict drug laws, accused him of maintaining hemp “carefully hidden” in his luggage.

A court in Moscow was later convicted of “drug smuggling on a large scale” and handed him a 14 -year arduous penalty. He was sent to the Ribinsk Punitive colony, four hours away from Moscow to serve his time. Punitive colonies It is famous for the harsh and brutal living conditions.

The US State Department ranked Vogel as “a non -wrong detainee.”

How and when he was released?

Vogel was handed over to Trump’s envoy in the Middle East, Steve Whitkov, in Moscow on Tuesday. The Russian lawyer in Vogel, Dmitry Ovsianikov, told the TASS agency in Russia that it is not clear that the Americans were released or whether it was issued from the official amnesty.

Vogel arrived at a military facility in Maryland, the joint base Andrews, late on Tuesday night before heading to the White House to attend a press conference with Trump.

While addressing the media, Trump did not reveal details about the negotiations to secure the Vogel version, but he described the stock exchange as “very fair and very reasonable” and stated that the United States had no much to provide much. On Wednesday morning, the Kremlin announced a Russian release unveiled his name from an American prison and will soon return to their homes as part of the deal.

Vogel was arrested months before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, after which relations between Washington and Moscow deteriorated to the lowest historical level.

Are there other Americans currently imprisoned in Russia?

Yes, at least 10 American citizens who are still in Russian reservation, including current staff and former military personnel.

Among them is the Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, veteran marine Robert Gilman and ballet dancer Ksenia Khafana. We were afraid, a dual -Russian citizen, Condemn After submitting a $ 51 donation to an American charity that helps Ukrainian children.

The Foreign Ministry says that Trump is committed to bringing all detainees to the home.

What did Trump said about the Vogel case?

Trump thanked Putin for the help of Fujil for free and said he could play a “large and important part” in the war in Ukraine.

“We have treated Russia very well,” said Trump, standing beside Vogel at the White House. “In fact, I hope this is the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war and millions of people can stop killing.”

Trump also said that another American will be released abroad on Wednesday. He did not specify.

Why is Russia Fujel now to issue?

The details surrounding Vogel’s foggy issue, but come at a time when Trump is seeking to strengthen relations with Russia and mediate the Ukraine war.

During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to end the Ukraine war. In an interview on Monday, he said “Ukraine may be Russian one day.”His administration has been ending the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

While Trump refused to say if he had released Fujogal directly with Putin, he confirmed on Saturday that he had spoken with Putin about A three -year war in Ukraine. Both leaders said they are eager to meet to discuss how to make a quick end of the war, but no date has been announced to any summit.

Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz described the release of Vogel’s good -intentioned gem from Russia showing “we are moving in the right direction” towards ending the Ukraine war.

The version also follows a wide prisoner swap between Russia and the West in August 2024 Three high -level American citizens liberatedIncluding the Wall Street Journal Ivan Girschkovic and Maren Paul Wellian.

What were the reactions?

The news of Vogel’s release was met with praise and relief from his family and lawyers, as well as legislators from Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful, comfortable, and overwhelmed,” said a joint statement issued by the Vogel family, which was criticizing the treatment of former President Joe Biden for the case. “This was the darkest and most painful period in our lives, but today we start recovery.”

Defense lawyers in Vogel, Martin de Luca and Andrew Smith described him to release him “historic” and praised “Trump’s strong leadership … it is not lost time to take decisive measures to bring [him] house.”

US Congress member Mike Kelly, who represents Bater County in Pennsylvania, where Vogel’s mother lives, expressed his joy because the family has finally included it after years of his call on their behalf. “I would like to thank President Trump for the success of the launch of Mark with success,” Kelly said in a statement. “Today is a great day for the Vogel family.”

Senators in Pennsylvania John Vitirman, a democratic, and Dave McCromic, a Republican, also issued statements coinciding with the release of Vogel.

Thank you potus To bring Mark to the house! Both Pennsylvania are happy because he returned safely, especially his 95 -year -old mother, Mafa, who has never stopped fighting for his release. Dina and I had the honor to watch this emotional and historical moment tonight in the White House. pic.twitter.com/b6lpxomzua

SenmcCorMickpa February 12, 2025