White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday the safe release of three hostages, including one American and two individuals from Belarus, marking another significant diplomatic victory for the Trump administration.
The announcement comes just one day after American schoolteacher Marc Fogel returned to the United States following more than three years of detention in Russia.
During a press briefing, Leavitt confirmed the release of the three individuals but declined to provide specific details about their identities, citing respect for their privacy.
“We can confirm the safe release of one American and two individuals from Belarus, one of whom worked for Radio Liberty,” Leavitt said. “Out of respect for the privacy of these individuals and their request, we have no further details to announce on their identities at this time.”
Leavitt emphasized that the successful release of the hostages is a testament to President Donald Trump’s deal-making abilities and his commitment to bringing Americans home.
READ: Secretary Of State Marco Rubio Praises Release Of Marc Fogel From Russia As “Diplomatic Victory”
“This is a remarkable victory on the heels of Marc Fogel returning to America last night,” she said. “It speaks to President Trump’s leadership and his unwavering dedication to securing the freedom of those wrongfully detained abroad.”
When asked about whether the U.S. had released anyone in exchange for the hostages, Leavitt stated that she did not have details on the matter.
“At this moment, I don’t have details on that,” she said. “I do know that these three individuals are now home in their respective countries, and we are grateful for their safe return.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
