Russia releases American Stephen Hubbard after four years in prison

Russia released 74-year-old American citizen Stephen Hubbard after he spent more than four years in prison on charges of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine. Hubbard, a retired teacher from Michigan, was sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony in 2024.

The release took place during a visit by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to St. Petersburg, where Witkoff held talks with President Vladimir Putin about Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin said Hubbard had been taken to Pulkovo Airport and was on his way home.

“You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir.”

President Donald Trump said he had asked Putin during a phone call the previous week to free Hubbard. Trump stated that, unlike previous releases, the United States did not have to give up anyone in return and that there was no swap necessary.

Witkoff thanked Putin for the release and called him a humanitarian, saying Trump was also a humanitarian. His comments drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, including Representative Don Bacon and Senator John Cornyn.

Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff during a press conference in Ohio, saying his job was to bring an American home. Hubbard was later seen thanking Witkoff, and Putin's financial adviser Kirill Dmitriev was also present at the meeting.