Staff Reports
The recent release of schoolteacher Marc Fogel from Russian custody has sparked chatter among conservatives about what it could mean for U.S.-Russia relations under the Trump administration. National security adviser Michael Waltz has suggested that this development might be an indication of a potential peace agreement brewing between Washington and Moscow regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. After all, if any administration knows how to strike deals, it’s Trump’s.
Fogel, who had been imprisoned in Russia since 2021 for the heinous crime of possessing medical marijuana, was designated as “wrongfully detained” by the U.S. government in late 2024, after his family pointed out the double standards in the Biden administration’s handling of American detainees. While the White House celebrated the release of WNBA diva Brittney Griner, Fogel was left languishing in a Russian jail, prompting his mother, Malphine, to express frustration over the lack of effort concerning her son’s plight. When Americans start comparing their loved ones’ situations to sports stars, it’s clear something is a miss.
Trump Admin Touts Big Win in Negotiations with Russia as 'a Sign' That End of Ukraine War Is Near: The Trump administration said the deal “serves as a show of good faith from the Russians.” https://t.co/GDP673T4iM pic.twitter.com/BZQ6Ppd15P
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) February 12, 2025
As of this week, Fogel is back in the land of the free, prompting a round of applause from his family and supporters who couldn’t be happier that he’s finally home. The iconic moment was showcased by the White House, which expressed triumph with the hashtag “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” The National Security Council has been working hard, but this timely release certainly raises eyebrows about the timing and potential implications.
Waltz announced that Fogel’s return was part of a coordinated effort with special envoy Steve Witkoff, who also played a role in securing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. It seems the Trump administration has mastered the art of multitasking in foreign relations. There are murmurs that this might signal warmer ties with Russia, especially with Trump’s historical inclination towards negotiation over confrontation—quite the contrast to the feckless Biden strategy that kept prisoners like Fogel just hanging around.
The idea that the U.S. could be inching toward a peaceful resolution in Ukraine has conservative analysts perking up their ears. Waltz suggested that the release might symbolize a good-faith gesture from Russia, hinting toward a potential thaw in relations and a prescription for ending the brutal conflict in Ukraine. Where the Biden administration floundered with endless sanctions and angry tweets, Trump appears ready to wield the power of negotiation like a seasoned diplomat.
Though the details of what was exchanged remain under wraps, the overall sentiment is positive. Trump’s previous success in securing the release of American hostages worldwide may just be a roadmap for how to handle international grievances. Fogel’s case has highlighted the urgent need for decisive leadership, a far cry from the lingering bureaucratic inertia seen in recent years. Only time will tell if this could pave the way to ending the war in Ukraine for good, but one thing is clear: Americans are back on their feet thanks to the aggressive and effective approach of the Trump team.
