Russia says it freed American Stephen Hubbard, 74, as Trump envoy meets with Putin - NBC News
Russia has released American citizen Stephen Hubbard, a move framed as a diplomatic gesture following talks between a Trump envoy and Vladimir Putin. The release highlights shifting U.S.-Russia relations and the Trump administration's approach to the war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
This event signals a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the Ukraine conflict and the use of personal diplomacy by the Trump administration.
Russia has released retired American teacher Stephen Hubbard, 74, the latest sign of warmer ties between the two countries as Washington pressures Kyiv to agree to a deal to end Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The jet carrying Hubbard touched down at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, at about 10:49 p.m. Wednesday (11:49 p.m. ET), video at the base showed. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin for Hubbard’s release as they held peace talks early Wednesday in St. Petersburg. “You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir,” Witkoff said. Lawmakers from both parties criticized Witkoff’s use of the word “humanitarian,” with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, saying Putin is “the aggressor in the war against Ukraine.” The U.S.
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