Latest news with #MarcFogel
Sky News
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
The sign from US-Russia talks that Moscow is in the driving seat
Why you can trust Sky News The latest US-Russia prisoner swap is a further sign of the thawing relations between Moscow and Washington, but I think it's also an indication of how slow things are moving. Rewind two months to 11 February and you might remember there was another prisoner swap. Out of the blue, 63-year-old American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who had been imprisoned in Russia on drug smuggling charges, was suddenly released and on his way home to the US. It was part of a deal that had been secured following a secret trip to Moscow by US envoy Steve Witkoff, in what marked the first sign of movement towards a peace deal in Ukraine. 0:57 Donald Trump said it "could be a big, important part" of ending the conflict and that it was a show of good faith from the Russians. It also marked the first sign of rapprochement between the White House and the Kremlin. Since then, there have been various face-to-face meetings between the two sides, at various levels. There have been at least two phone calls between Trump and Vladimir Putin. We've had talk of sanctions relief, business deals and the resumption of direct flights. But despite the talk, it's just that. Talk. There's still nothing concrete, much to Trump's frustration it seems. The latest round of US-Russia talks, in Istanbul today, is an example of the lack of progress. 0:50 Washington said the meeting would be solely focused on "embassy operations". That means issues such as paying salaries - which has become harder under sanctions - diplomat travel restrictions and the employment of external contractors including cleaners and gardeners (which Moscow currently forbids for the US mission here). So for now, it's still really basic stuff. As the US State Department said yesterday, Ukraine is "absolutely not on the agenda". What's striking is that a peace deal appears conditional on the reset of relations, rather than the other way around. To me, that's a sign that Russia is in the driving seat, and not the US. Today's prisoner exchange is part of all this. Like February's swap, I think it's a show of good will, and an attempt by Moscow to keep the Americans sweet, after Putin was accused of dragging his feet in negotiations. It certainly shows Trump that the relationship is moving in the right direction. And on a personal level, for Ksenia Karelina - the Russian-American ballet dancer freed as part of the deal - and her family, it is a hugely significant moment. But on the geopolitical level, these are still just crumbs Russia is offering, not the whole cake.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The sign from US-Russia talks that Moscow is in the driving seat
The latest US-Russia prisoner swap is a further sign of the thawing relations between Moscow and Washington, but I think it's also an indication of how slow things are moving. Rewind two months to 11 February and you might remember there was another prisoner swap. Out of the blue, 63-year-old American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, who had been imprisoned in on drug smuggling charges, was and on his way home to the US. Ukraine war latest: It was part of a deal that had been secured following a secret trip to Moscow by US envoy Steve Witkoff, in what marked the first sign of movement towards a peace deal in Ukraine. said it "could be a big, important part" of ending the conflict and that it was a show of good faith from the Russians. It also marked the first sign of rapprochement between the White House and the Kremlin. Since then, there have been various face-to-face meetings between the two sides, at various levels. There have been at least two phone calls between Trump and . We've had talk of sanctions relief, business deals and the resumption of direct flights. But despite the talk, it's just that. Talk. There's still nothing concrete, much to Trump's frustration it seems. The latest round of US-Russia talks, in Istanbul today, is an example of the lack of progress. Washington said the meeting would be solely focused on "embassy operations". That means issues such as paying salaries - which has become harder under sanctions - diplomat travel restrictions and the employment of external contractors including cleaners and gardeners (which Moscow currently forbids for the US mission here). Read more: So for now, it's still really basic stuff. As the US State Department said yesterday, Ukraine is "absolutely not on the agenda". What's striking is that a peace deal appears conditional on the reset of relations, rather than the other way around. To me, that's a sign that Russia is in the driving seat, and not the US. Today's prisoner exchange is part of all this. Like February's swap, I think it's a show of good will, and an attempt by Moscow to keep the Americans sweet, after Putin was accused of dragging his feet in negotiations. It certainly shows Trump that the relationship is moving in the right direction. And on a personal level, for Ksenia Karelina - the Russian-American ballet dancer freed as part of the deal - and her family, it is a hugely significant moment. But on the geopolitical level, these are still just crumbs Russia is offering, not the whole cake.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marc Fogel throws out ceremonial first pitch at Pittsburgh Pirates home opener
Marc Fogel throws out ceremonial first pitch at Pittsburgh Pirates home opener Marc Fogel received a warm welcome during the Pittsburgh Pirates home opener. The Butler County native delivered the ball right to Pirates star Paul Skenes in the ceremonial first pitch. Just two months ago, he was released from a Russian prison after being kept there for three and a half years. Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Marc Fogel, Pittsburgh-area teacher detained in Russia, back in US after release as part of exchange Fogel was taken into custody at a Russian airport in August of 2021. He was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony for having a small amount of medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor for chronic back issues. He thanked the Pirates and owner Bob Nutting in a statement saying: 'I was surprised and excited when Bob called with the invitation to throw today's first pitch,' said Fogel. 'As a diehard Pirates fan, being on the field today is an amazing opportunity. I'm grateful to him, and the whole Pirates community, for a wonderful welcome home.' Advertisement Nutting said he was excited to make the special event happen. 'As I watched the news coverage of Marc landing in the United States, draped in an American flag, wearing his Steelers winter cap and drinking an Iron City beer, I knew this moment just had to happen,' said Nutting. 'I can't think of a better way to officially welcome him back home to Pittsburgh.' Fogel was also recognized at a Pittsburgh Penguins game in March. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CBS News
04-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Marc Fogel throws ceremonial first pitch at Pirates home opener after release from Russian prison
Marc Fogel , a Butler County native who spent over three years in a Russian prison before he was freed earlier this year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates home opener on Friday. The Pirates are back at PNC Park on Friday afternoon, facing off against the Yankees. Before the game started at 4:12 p.m., Fogel threw the ceremonial first pitch. Since coming back home , Fogel has been honored at a Penguins game and he was invited by First Lady Melania Trump to President Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress. While attending the Penguins game last month, Fogel released a statement thanking Pittsburgh's "warm, close-knit community that has rallied around our family during the toughest of times." "This incredible kindness shown by the Pittsburgh sports teams, along with the tremendous help from our local media, community leaders, politicians, artists, academics, advocates and activists strengthened my mentality to keep on keepin' on like a true Pittsburgher," he wrote. Fogel was detained in Moscow in August 2021 when he and his wife flew back to Russia for their 10th and final year of teaching in the country. His family said he was carrying 17 grams of cannabis for medical reasons to treat chronic back pain. He was transferred to a hard labor colony after getting a sentence of 14 years. Over the years, Fogel's family and lawmakers pushed to bring him home. The White House negotiated Fogel's release as part of a prisoner swap in February.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pittsburgh Pirates Home Opener: What you need to know
Pittsburgh Pirates Home Opener: What you need to know It's always a special day in Pittsburgh when baseball is back! The Pirates are just hours away from being back in play for the 25th year at PNC Park against the New York Yankees. And there are some big changes fans will see this year. Advertisement From scoreboard upgrades to reimagining the riverwalk experience in the outfield to upgrading the concourse. There are also new food experiences, including Polish cannonballs, a burnt almond torte and a fried chicken sandwich on a croissant. Fans will also notice a new and improved team store, featuring more throwback clothing, and for the kids, a Build-a-Bear pirate parrot. Officials with the Pirates say it's a great opportunity for the fans. 'The goal is to have a connection and a connection with the fan. To have an experience they remember and that's heartwarming to them,' said Terry Walcutt, General Manager of Fanatics. Advertisement Some things to keep in mind if you're coming down today: The game starts at 4:12 p.m. Fans will be able to enter PNC Park at 2 p.m. with the pregame scheduled to begin at 3:35 p.m. If you get there early, a block party on Federal Street starts at 1 p.m. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by Pittsburgh native, Marc Fogel, who was welcomed back to the U.S. in February after being detained in a Russian prison. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
