Russia releases US prisoner held for 3.5 years: Trump welcomes him with a ceremony

US teacher Marc Fogel has been extradited to the US from Russia, where he was sentenced to prison for marijuana possession. Following his return to the US, Fogel was welcomed at a ceremony held in Washington. US President Donald Trump thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed his satisfaction with Fogel's release.

After being brought to the US from Moscow, Fogel stated, 'I feel like the luckiest man in the world. This feels like a dream.' Trump, noting that Fogel's health is good, said, 'We wanted to bring him home, and we succeeded.'

Trump emphasized that a good dialogue had been established with Russia during this process and expressed hope that this could be a step toward ending the war in Ukraine. Russian media reported that Fogel was transferred to Moscow from a prison in Rybinsk before his release.

In a statement on social media, Trump noted that he had kept his promise to Fogel's mother, sharing the message, 'We managed to get him out.'

Fogel's family included the following statements in their written announcement:

''After a difficult period lasting more than 3 years, Marc's return home has been a source of great relief and happiness. This process was the darkest period of our lives, but now it is time to heal.''

News Source: İHA