Mark Vogel, American Teacher Imprisoned in Russia, Released

The White House announced on Tuesday, February 12, that Mark Vogel, an American teacher who had been detained in Russia, is on his way back to the United States after being released from prison. He had been arrested in Russia about four years ago on drug trafficking charges and was freed during a 'swap' with Moscow. Mark Waltz, a national security advisor to Trump, stated that Donald Trump, the President of the United States, and Steve Witkoff, his special envoy, can announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Mark Vogel, who was imprisoned there. He further added that Trump, Witkoff, and other advisors to the President negotiated a 'swap' that reflects the goodwill of the Russians and is a sign of movement in the 'right' direction to end the 'terrible' war in Ukraine. According to Mark Waltz, since Trump's inauguration, he has successfully secured the release of Americans detained around the world, and the President's efforts will continue until all detained Americans return to the United States. Waltz concluded by stating that Mark Vogel would be on American soil by Tuesday night and would reunite with his family and loved ones 'thanks to President Trump's leadership.' Mark Vogel was arrested for possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he claimed was prescribed to him by a doctor in the U.S., and was sentenced to 14 years in prison for 'intending to sell drugs to students.' Meanwhile, the United States has repeatedly protested the detention and imprisonment of innocent American citizens in Russia.