Russia Frees American Stephen Hubbard Following Envoy’s Visit

Hubbard, a retired English teacher who had been living in Ukraine since before the 2022 invasion, was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison during closed proceedings in 2024. While Russian prosecutors alleged he signed a contract with the Ukrainian military, his legal team and family have consistently denied these claims, describing him as a civilian caught in the conflict. The U.S. government had previously designated him as wrongfully detained.

President Donald Trump confirmed he personally requested Hubbard’s release during a recent call with Putin. The diplomatic breakthrough coincided with a visit to St. Petersburg by Steve Witkoff, a key envoy for the Trump administration. During the talks, Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian, a sentiment echoed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who stated the pardon was granted for humanitarian considerations. Hubbard was transported to Pulkovo airport to return to the United States shortly after his release.

This development comes as the Trump administration shifts its approach to the conflict, recently waiving sanctions on Russia and pushing for a negotiated end to the fighting. Despite Hubbard’s release, other foreign nationals remain in Russian custody; the FSB reported the recent detention of a German national on mercenary charges, alongside ongoing cases involving Swedish and Japanese citizens. For Hubbard’s family, the release remains a relief after years of uncertainty regarding his safety in the Russian penal system.