Russia releases imprisoned U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard following Trump's request
The announcement came during talks in Saint Petersburg between Vladimir Putin and White House envoy Steve Witkoff regarding Ukraine.
Quick Look
- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of 74-year-old American prisoner Stephen Hubbard following a request from U.S.
- President Donald Trump, as talks on ending the war in Ukraine began in Saint Petersburg.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Stephen Hubbard was detained by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine in 2022 and sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has freed an American, Stephen Hubbard, from a Russian prison following a request from President Trump.
The announcement came as talks got underway between Putin and White House envoy Steve Witkoff focused on U.S. efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
The 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard of Michigan was detained by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine in 2022 and later sentenced — after a closed trial in 2024 — to nearly seven years in prison, for serving as a mercenary in the Ukrainian army.
As talks with Witkoff got underway in Russia's former imperial capital of Saint Petersburg, Putin announced Hubbard had been released and was already at Pulkovo Airport, in St. Petersburg.
Prior to the talks, Trump said he had asked Putin to release Hubbard, whom the U.S. had formally designated wrongfully detained under the Biden administration.
Hubbard's release comes as Trump has lifted some sanctions on Moscow — and openly criticized Ukraine — amid U.S. efforts to negotiate an end to the war.
Open Questions
- What were the exact terms discussed between Putin and Witkoff regarding Ukraine?
