CNN
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The Kremlin announced that a Russian national has been freed in a recent exchange involving American educator Marc Fogel, with plans for the individual to return to Russia shortly.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that talks between Moscow and Washington have intensified in recent days, facilitating Fogel’s release and ensuring the return of “a citizen of the Russian Federation” currently in American custody.

Peskov mentioned that the individual “will soon return to Russia,” adding that details regarding their identity will be disclosed once they step onto Russian soil. CNN is contacting U.S. representatives for clarification on Russia’s remarks.

Marc Fogel arrived at the White House late Tuesday, draped in an American flag, where he was welcomed by President Donald Trump, who stated it was “an honor to have played a small role” in securing his release.

Trump mentioned that another American is likely to be released soon. Many Americans remain detained in Russia, with at least two individuals classified as wrongfully imprisoned: Stephen Hubbard and Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American dual citizen who has been recently charged.

A high-ranking official from the White House informed CNN that Fogel’s release was not a straightforward one-for-one trade for a Russian individual held in the United States. “You will see the president considering some nonviolent individuals… But a one-for-one exchange happening simultaneously will not transpire,” said Adam Boehler, Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, on Tuesday.

The arrangement to secure Fogel’s release, who was designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department, was orchestrated by Trump, Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and “the President’s advisors,” according to a statement from National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

In a striking action, Witkoff personally traveled to Russia to escort Fogel back, as indicated by the statement from Waltz. No known high-level U.S. visits to Russia have taken place since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022.

During a joint appearance with Boehler, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed to CNN that while Fogel’s release is not directly tied to stopping Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, he interprets it as a “positive indication” of Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue. On the subject of the conflict, he remarked, “We don’t merely want the war to end; we want it concluded in a sustainable manner.”

This is an evolving story and will be updated as more information becomes available.