# Russia frees US teacher during Witkoff talks after Trump appeal

https://mins.news/en/item/109361

- Bloomberg News, 2026-10-21 11:30 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-21/russia-frees-us-teacher-during-witkoff-talks-after-trump-appeal?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6ad8a24b75a7df0001b13c4e

> Russia released an American teacher who had spent four years in prison after being convicted of fighting for Ukraine. The release followed President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russia.

## Related coverage

- [Russia releases jailed US teacher as Witkoff meets Putin](https://mins.news/en/video/109472) — DW News, 2026-10-21
- [Russia frees American teacher jailed on Ukraine mercenary charges after Trump pressed Putin](https://mins.news/en/item/109222) — Fox News, 2026-10-21
- [Russia releases imprisoned American man, US envoy Witkoff says during St. Petersburg visit](https://mins.news/en/item/109205) — The Associated Press, 2026-10-21