TRUMP SECURES RELEASE OF AMERICAN HOSTAGE IN RUSSIA U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, has secured the release of American hostage Marc Fogel from Russia, White House announced Tuesday, as both were on a flight back to the U.S. where he's expected to be reunited with his family. The 63-year-old was welcomed later in the night at the White House by Trump. Fogel, an American schoolteacher, was detained in Russia since August 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison for carrying medically prescribed marijuana. The details of the exchange, including what the US gave in return for Fogel's release, have not been disclosed. Witkoff's unannounced visit to Moscow marks a significant breakthrough in US-Russia relations. He flew Fogel out of Russia on his private jet. Fogel's release is seen as a "show of good faith" from Russia and a step towards ending the war in Ukraine, according to White House national security adviser Mike Waltz.