Russia says it freed American Stephen Hubbard, 74, as Trump envoy meets with Putin
The retired American teacher was freed after nearly five years in detention as U.S. and Russian officials pursued broader peace talks.
- On Tuesday, Russia released Stephen Hubbard following a visit to Petersburg by Steve Witkoff. The State Department previously designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained.
- Russian prosecutors alleged that Hubbard fought for Ukraine after moving to Izyum in 2014. His sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, maintained the accusation was a lie.
- President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he raised the case with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin agreed to the release during discussions with Witkoff in Petersburg.
- Hubbard, originally from Michigan, spent decades abroad as an English teacher before being captured by Russian forces. He was sentenced to almost seven years in a penal colony in 2024.
- Hubbard is the latest American freed from Russian detention following Robert Gilman's August release. Gilman was freed for humanitarian reasons amid severe health concerns.
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595 Articles
Trump Secures Release of American Imprisoned in Russia
President Donald Trump has secured the release of an American citizen who spent more than four years in Russian custody, following a personal appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Stephen James Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired English teacher from Michigan, was released Wednesday after Trump reportedly raised his case directly with Putin during a telephone conversation […]
Russia released a US prisoner. What did they get out of it?
This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: President Donald Trump is cozying up to Russia again. What’s happening? On Wednesday, Russia released an American prisoner, 74-year-old retired teacher Stephen Hubbard, back to […]
Russia releases US citizen Stephen Hubbard from prison
Daily News-Record
Sister of American Stephen Hubbard says he's in disbelief following release by Russia
The younger sister of Stephen Hubbard, the American who was freed after spending more than four years in a Russian prison, says he was in disbelief about his release. Patricia Hubbard Fox told The Associated Press that she spoke to…
Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard after more than 4 years behind bars
Trump told reporters at the White House that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent call to free Stephen Hubbard and that, unlike previous releases, the US did not have to give up anyone in return.
As Russia released an American teacher in his 70s who had been detained for over four years, the fallout surrounding the incident is intensifying within U.S. politics. U.S. President Donald Trump used this release as leverage to justify his decision to suspend sanctions against Russia and resume imports of Russian diesel fuel. Conversely, strong criticism erupted within the ruling Republican Party regarding remarks made by the U.S. special envoy…
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