Marc Fogel, a history teacher caught with a prescription marijuana, was released from Russian custody with the help of a special envoy sent by former President Trump. This event, termed as a ‘diplomatic breakthrough’ by the White House, seems more like a cunning strategy to mend ties with Moscow and possibly gain leverage in Ukraine’s peace negotiations. Standing beside Trump, Fogel appeared more like a lottery winner than a man returning from the dead. Trump’s hints at another upcoming release suggest that his influence extends beyond the business arena.