The Biden administration faced a setback in securing the release of imprisoned American Marc Fogel amid a recent prisoner swap deal with Russia, despite persistent efforts over several months.

White House officials insisted that the U.S. is committed to the release of every American wrongfully detained or unlawfully held overseas but admitted that Russia refused to go as far as administration officials wanted, as Breitbart reports.

The news broke when John Kirby, White House National Security communications adviser, discussed the situation during an interview on Fox News Channel’s Special Report on a Thursday.

Kirby explained that the U.S. had made several attempts over many months to include Fogel in the prisoner exchange deal, but the efforts were unsuccessful.

Persistent Efforts To Secure Fogel's Release

In his remarks, Kirby stated, “We tried on multiple occasions throughout this process over many, many months to include Mr. Fogel. And that was the plan, but we just couldn’t get the Russians to budge.”

Kirby emphasized that the inability to get Russia’s agreement on Fogel’s inclusion was not due to a lack of trying. He mentioned the administration’s relentless efforts and negotiations aimed at securing Fogel's freedom.

Despite U.S. efforts, the negotiations resulted in a deal that did not include Fogel. Kirby expressed disappointment, highlighting the limitations faced during these negotiations with Russian counterparts.

Ongoing Dialogue With Russia

Kirby also conveyed the administration’s continued discussions with Russia.

"There are ongoing conversations right now in discussions with the Russians to see what we can do to try to get Mr. Fogel home," he said.

Kirby assured that the focus on Fogel's release would not wane.

He reiterated that President Biden remains committed to bringing home every American held unlawfully, emphasizing, “The president said it today, and he means it, we’re going to do everything we can to get every wrongfully detained American back home or any American, wrongfully detained or not, that’s being held overseas unlawfully.”

Commitment To American Detainees

The Biden administration’s determination to secure the release of all wrongfully detained Americans is a priority. Kirby’s comments underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to this cause, highlighting the complexities of international negotiations.

Kirby's detailed elaboration on the attempts to include Fogel in the prisoner swap highlights the challenges faced in diplomatic negotiations. "We will keep at it," Kirby asserted, signaling that the efforts to free Fogel are far from over.

Analyzing The Impact

The exclusion of Marc Fogel from the recent prisoner swap deal is significant.

It not only showcases the hurdles in international diplomacy but also brings to light the administration's persistent efforts to bring every detained American back home.

Kirby's statements reflect the ongoing dedication of the U.S. to continue lobbying for the release of all Americans detained abroad. This persistent approach is integral to upholding the nation's commitment to its citizens.

Ongoing discussions with Russia signal a continued, albeit challenging, path forward for securing Fogel’s release. The administration’s emphasis on relentless efforts illustrates its dedication, despite the obstacles encountered.

Continued Diplomatic Engagements Planned

The U.S. government remains undeterred, ensuring that the focus on Fogel’s release has not diminished.

Kirby’s statements provide a beacon of hope for Fogel’s family and other Americans who may be in similar situations abroad.