Russia says it freed American Stephen Hubbard, 74, as Trump envoy meets with Putin
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff thanked Vladimir Putin after Russia freed the retired American teacher, who had been jailed for nearly seven years on mercenary charges.
- 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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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…
Trump Achieves Release of American Held in Russia
President Trump successfully negotiated the release of 74-year-old Stephen James Hubbard from Russian custody, highlighting his commitment to protecting American citizens abroad. This move showcases Trump's ongoing efforts to engage with international leaders.
JUST IN: Trump Secures Release Of American Political Prisoner From Russia
Russia on Wednesday released 74-year-old American Stephen James Hubbard from custody following a direct request from President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The release occurred during a meeting in St. Petersburg between Putin and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who was in Russia for discussions related to the war in Ukraine. Hubbard, a […]
Russia Frees 74-Year-Old American Teacher Stephen Hubbard After Trump Raises Case Directly with Putin
For years, Americans wrongfully detained in hostile nations have exposed one of Washington’s most shameful blind spots. Citizens – ordinary people, not spies or soldiers...
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