American Teacher Found in Russian Prison After Prolonged Absence

Family searches conclude as U.S. State Department designates Hubbard's detention as wrongful; he faces convictions of mercenary activity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

After a harrowing silence of several months, the whereabouts of Stephen James Hubbard, a retired American teacher who was taken by Russian troops from his home in eastern Ukraine shortly after the outbreak of war in February 2022, have finally been uncovered. He is currently being held in a Russian prison located in Mordovia, a development that has brought a mixture of relief and concern to his family.

Hubbard, 73, had been unreachable since his conviction on charges of mercenary activity in October 2022, where he was sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony. The abnormal circumstances surrounding his case have raised questions, especially given that the Russian judge has reportedly ensured his legal documentation remains hidden from public scrutiny, thereby leaving his family in the dark about his condition and legal prospects.

In a breakthrough, Hubbard was recently able to communicate with one of his sons via phone, offering some reassurance amidst their distress. The U.S. State Department has classified him as "wrongfully detained," which suggests that officials believe the allegations against him are unfounded. This designation places him at the forefront of any discussions that may arise for a potential prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia, as diplomatic tensions continue to rise.

Documents obtained by media sources indicate that Stephen James Hubbard has been placed in the IK-12 penal colony in Mordovia, a region notorious for its harsh prison conditions. As the situation unfolds, his family and supporters remain hopeful for his safe return.