American detained in Russia arrives in U.S.: lawyer
Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American retired teacher, has returned to the U.S. after being released from a Russian prison. He had been serving a seven-year sentence on mercenary charges related to his time in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The release is part of ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Russia amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine war.
American detained in Russia arrives in U.S.: lawyer left US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev attend a meeting with Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired U.S. schoolteacher who was recently freed after serving a prison sentence in Russia following his conviction on mercenary charges, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on October 21, 2026. Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/3q2f7i/article71613151.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-21T125452Z_1224147023_RC2O7OAA6KJD_RTRMADP_3_RUSSIA-USA-HUBBARD.JPG OBTAINED BY REUTERS US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev attend a meeting with Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired U.S. schoolteacher who was recently freed after serving a prison sentence in Russia following his conviction on mercenary charges, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 21, 2026, in this still image taken from video. Obtained by Reuters/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
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