Russia has released American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who had been detained since 2021, following an unannounced diplomatic visit to Moscow by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. President Donald Trump confirmed Fogel’s release, describing it as a goodwill gesture from Russia.
Fogel, 63, was serving a 14-year sentence for drug smuggling, after being detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in August 2021 with 17 grams of marijuana, which he claimed was for medical use. His release comes as Trump works to strengthen relations with Moscow while seeking an end to the Ukraine war.
Trump told reporters that Fogel would visit the White House upon his return to the U.S. and that he was reunited with his family on Tuesday night. A photo posted by Trump’s chief hostage envoy Adam Boehler showed Fogel aboard a plane, holding a glass of wine and his U.S. passport.
When asked what the U.S. gave up in exchange for Fogel’s release, Trump responded, “Not much”, framing the move as a sign of good faith from Russia.
Fogel’s Russian lawyer confirmed his release but said it was unclear on what legal grounds he was freed. He had been moved from a prison in Rybinsk to a pre-trial detention center in Moscow ahead of his release.
Fogel had previously been excluded from the August 2024 prisoner swap, which saw 16 prisoners freed from Russia in exchange for eight sent back from the West.
Trump has hinted at ongoing talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and described “good progress” toward resolving the Ukraine conflict, though he has not provided specifics.
Despite government efforts to curb short-term tourist rentals amid a housing crisis, Spain has seen a 25% surge in such accommodations over the past two years, outpacing hotel growth and fueling public backlash over rising living costs.
Kazakhstan’s banking sector is experiencing robust growth in 2025, led by a surge in retail and consumer lending, with total loans rising sharply despite high interest rates and macroeconomic uncertainties.
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine ended abruptly in Istanbul on Monday, lasting just over an hour amid mounting tensions following a major Ukrainian drone strike on Russian strategic bombers and renewed pressure from the U.S. for a breakthrough.
Uzbekistan’s trade, accommodation, and food service industries maintained robust growth in the first quarter of 2025, with Gross Value Added (GVA) in these sectors reaching 39.1 trillion soums (approximately $3.8 billion), according to data from the National Statistical Committee.
A Swedish government-appointed commission has called for the phased end of international adoptions, citing decades of illegal and unethical practices that harmed children and their biological families.
Despite government efforts to curb short-term tourist rentals amid a housing crisis, Spain has seen a 25% surge in such accommodations over the past two years, outpacing hotel growth and fueling public backlash over rising living costs.
A sudden collapse at Mount Etna’s southeast crater has triggered a powerful volcanic eruption in Sicily, sending ash and lava into the skies above Catania.
Kazakhstan’s banking sector is experiencing robust growth in 2025, led by a surge in retail and consumer lending, with total loans rising sharply despite high interest rates and macroeconomic uncertainties.
Uzbekistan’s trade, accommodation, and food service industries maintained robust growth in the first quarter of 2025, with Gross Value Added (GVA) in these sectors reaching 39.1 trillion soums (approximately $3.8 billion), according to data from the National Statistical Committee.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Canada’s Gran Tierra Energy Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 30th Anniversary International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition held as part of Baku Energy Week.
Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, destroying dozens of homes and vital infrastructure in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, local authorities reported on Monday.
Despite government efforts to curb short-term tourist rentals amid a housing crisis, Spain has seen a 25% surge in such accommodations over the past two years, outpacing hotel growth and fueling public backlash over rising living costs.
A sudden collapse at Mount Etna’s southeast crater has triggered a powerful volcanic eruption in Sicily, sending ash and lava into the skies above Catania.
A Swedish government-appointed commission has called for the phased end of international adoptions, citing decades of illegal and unethical practices that harmed children and their biological families.
Despite government efforts to curb short-term tourist rentals amid a housing crisis, Spain has seen a 25% surge in such accommodations over the past two years, outpacing hotel growth and fueling public backlash over rising living costs.
A sudden collapse at Mount Etna’s southeast crater has triggered a powerful volcanic eruption in Sicily, sending ash and lava into the skies above Catania.
Kazakhstan’s banking sector is experiencing robust growth in 2025, led by a surge in retail and consumer lending, with total loans rising sharply despite high interest rates and macroeconomic uncertainties.
Uzbekistan’s trade, accommodation, and food service industries maintained robust growth in the first quarter of 2025, with Gross Value Added (GVA) in these sectors reaching 39.1 trillion soums (approximately $3.8 billion), according to data from the National Statistical Committee.
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