Russia releases imprisoned U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard following Trump's request
Russian President Vladimir Putin released imprisoned American Stephen Hubbard following a request from President Trump. The announcement coincided with talks in St. Petersburg between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The release highlights shifting diplomatic dynamics and negotiations between the U.S. and Russia concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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.
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US Envoy Meets Vladimir Putin in Russia as Stephen Hubbard Goes Free
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