The Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, resulting in the release of American detainee Marc Fogel in exchange for a Russian national imprisoned in the US.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the exchange was the outcome of “intensive contacts” between Moscow and Washington. He noted that discussions between the relevant agencies had accelerated in recent weeks, ultimately leading to the release of both individuals. However, he refrained from revealing the identity of the Russian national, only stating that their name would be disclosed upon arrival in Russia.
Fogel, a schoolteacher, had been serving a 14-year sentence in Russia on drug charges. His release was welcomed by the US administration, marking another high-profile prisoner exchange between the two nations. Peskov declined to comment on the involvement of third-party mediators in the negotiation process.
