Daines Statement on Prisoner Swap with Russia

• August 1, 2024

Swap Does Not Include Marc Fogel

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the below statement following the news that the United States and Russia reached a deal to free several Americans being held prisoner in Russia. Marc Fogel, an American who has been wrongfully detained since August 2021, was not among the Americans included in the deal.

"I'm relieved to see innocent Americans finally coming home after years of unjust imprisonment at the hands of the Kremlin, but while we celebrate the return of Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and the other prisoners, we must remember that Marc Fogel is still wrongfully detained. For three years now, Marc has been held in a Russian prison and endured unthinkable treatment. The United States must continue to do everything it can to bring Marc home and reunite him with his loved ones."

Background:

In June, a resolution demanding Russia release wrongfully detained Marc Fogel passed the U.S. Senate. Senator Daines introduced the bipartisan resolution in July 2023. Read the full text of the bill HERE.

Senator Daines sent a letter with former U.S. ambassador to Russia Mike McFaul to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on the State Department to deem Marc Fogel as wrongfully detained and prioritize securing his release from Russia in June 2023. Read the full letter HERE.

Last July, Senator Daines honored Marc Fogel's 62^nd birthday on the Senate floor. Watch the full speech HERE.