UPDATE - Saudi crown prince involved in securing American teacher's release from Russia: US official

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By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a role in securing the release of American teacher Marc Fogel from Russia, US President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East said Wednesday.

Steve Witkoff also credited several officials for their efforts in negotiating Fogel’s return as well as Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia’s sovereign wealth fund.

"There’s a gentleman from Russia, his name is Kirill, and he had a lot to do with this. He was important. He was an important interlocutor bridging the two sides," Witkoff told reporters outside the White House.

"His highness Mohammed bin Salman from Saudi Arabia. He was instrumental as well. He has a very strong friendship with President Trump, and behind the scenes, he was encouraging and pushing and looking for the right result," he added.

"There's all kind of credit to go around here. (CIA Director) John Ratcliffe was a superstar. (National Security Advisor) Mike Waltz. (White House Chief of Staff) Susie Wiles. The president – he's got a helluva team," he said.

Trump welcomed Fogel to the White House late Tuesday following his release after more than three years of detention in Russia.

Fogel, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug charges, was designated as “wrongfully detained” by the US in 2024.

His release marks a significant diplomatic development as Trump seeks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, which will mark its third anniversary on Feb. 24.