Trump admin Announces Release Of Journalists Jailed In Belarus
In a remarkable diplomatic achievement, President Trump has secured the release of journalist Andrey Kuznechyk from Belarusian custody, marking a significant moment in international negotiations and reinforcing his administration’s commitment to bringing detained Americans home. The development follows a strategic prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, which saw American schoolteacher Marc Fogel finally set free after spending more than three years in a Russian prison.
Kuznechyk, a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, had been serving time on politically motivated charges, a situation that drew widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates. His release is seen as not just a win for journalism and human rights, but also a testament to the Trump administration’s diplomatic leverage.
“This is a joyous day for Andrey, his wife, and their two young children. After more than three years apart, this family is together again thanks to President Trump,” said Stephen Capus, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Meanwhile, the return of Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania schoolteacher detained in Russia since 2021, was met with emotional celebrations. The White House released a photo of a visibly relieved Fogel stepping off a plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. He was accompanied by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Adam Boehler, the administration’s envoy for hostages.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump has successfully negotiated the freedom of another American detained in Belarus.
pic.twitter.com/XBFlsSyiNX— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 12, 2025
Upon his arrival, Fogel was personally greeted by President Trump at the White House, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Expressing his gratitude, Fogel called the president “a hero” and described his return as a dream come true.
The details surrounding Fogel’s release remain closely guarded, but Trump assured reporters that the deal struck with Russia was “very fair, very reasonable.” He also hinted that another high-profile prisoner release would take place imminently, further signaling progress in U.S.-Russia negotiations.
The diplomatic efforts behind these releases involved high-level talks, including a significant phone call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump later confirmed on social media that the conversation touched on key global issues, including the war in Ukraine, energy policies, artificial intelligence, and the strength of the U.S. dollar. Importantly, both leaders agreed to begin direct negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Steve Witkoff, the administration’s Middle East special envoy, played a crucial role in Fogel’s release, traveling to Russia under Trump’s directive to finalize the deal. Witkoff acknowledged the involvement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose diplomatic influence helped facilitate the exchange. “President Trump has a very strong relationship with MBS,” Witkoff explained, crediting the Saudi leader’s intervention as a decisive factor.
For Fogel and his family, this moment is a long-awaited relief. His mother, Malphine Fogel, had been outspoken in her frustration over the previous administration’s handling of the case. She had even planned to publicly raise awareness alongside President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania last July—an event tragically interrupted by the assassination attempt on Trump.
Her persistence, however, has finally paid off. “Thanks to the unwavering leadership of President Trump, Marc will soon be back on American soil, free where he belongs,” the family said in a statement.