Russia Frees Stephen Hubbard

Russia released 74-year-old American Stephen HubbardStephen James HubbardAmerican retired teacher from prison after more than four years in detention, and he returned to the United States. Trump envoy Steve WitkoffSteve WitkoffAmerican businessman and diplomat (born 1957) thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin at the announcement and called him a humanitarian. Hubbard, a retired Michigan teacher who lived in eastern Ukraine, was detained by Russian forces in 2022 and sentenced to nearly seven years. Russian authorities accused him of fighting for Ukraine as a mercenary, while his family and U.S. officials rejected the charge. The United States had designated him wrongfully detained. President Donald Trump said he personally asked Putin for Hubbard’s release and gave nothing in exchange. Hubbard was expected to receive a medical evaluation in San Antonio.