US hails prisoner release ‘move in right direction’ to end war in Ukraine

President Donald Trump, accompanied by Marc Fogel, speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

American teacher Marc Fogel, who was deemed wrongfully detained by Russia, has been greeted by President Donald Trump after being released and returned to the US.

The president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff flew back to the US with the history teacher from Pennsylvania, bringing him to the White House which described his return as a diplomatic thaw that could advance negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.