Glacier Country News

Washington, D.C. - Representative Ryan Zinke from Western Montana has expressed his approval following the release of Marc Fogel, an American citizen detained in Russia since 2021. President Trump announced the successful negotiation for Fogel's return to the United States.

"God bless; Marc Fogel is finally coming home to American soil where he belongs," stated Zinke. "Marc has a wonderful family in Montana that I know is eagerly awaiting his return. I have met with them many times and I am so glad we are able to report that their nightmare is finally over. Thank you, President Trump, this is a big win. Bravo Zulu."

Russian authorities had detained Fogel for allegedly attempting to enter the country with 0.6 ounces of medical marijuana, leading to a sentence of 14 years of hard labor—a punishment considered disproportionate by many observers. Originally from Pennsylvania, Fogel was a history teacher who worked at international schools across several countries before teaching at the Anglo-American School of Moscow when arrested.

Zinke and his team have been actively involved in efforts for Fogel's release over the past two years, engaging with his family and urging action from government officials.

In support of these efforts, Zinke endorsed House Concurrent Resolution 60, which called for Fogel's immediate release due to what was deemed an unjust sentencing by Russian authorities in June 2022. Additionally, he supported H.R.4388—the Marc Fogel Act—requiring the Department of State to provide Congress with information on U.S. nationals potentially detained unlawfully abroad.