In brief
In a rare diplomatic gesture, President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia had freed Stephen Hubbard, a 72‑year‑old U.S. citizen sentenced to almost seven years in a penal colony for allegedly fighting for Ukraine’s defence forces. Hubbard was captured in 2022 after returning to his unit in Izyum, a city in Russia’s eastern region. He was transported to Pulkovo Airport in St. Peterburg, where Putin met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The U.S. government is monitoring developments and has urged a prompt release of Hubbard. The case highlights the geopolitical tensions and the plight of foreign nationals caught in the Ukraine‑Russia conflict.
Russia releases American citizen Stephen Hubbard, state media reports
President Vladimir Putin said Russia had agreed to free U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard, a claim confirmed by Russian state media. The release follows Hubbard’s alleged involvement in Ukraine‑side combat and his subsequent imprisonment in a Russian penal colony.
Hubbard, originally from Michigan, was 72 when he was sentenced to nearly seven years in 2024 after being captured by Russian forces in 2022 while serving in a defence unit in the eastern city of Izyum.
According to Putin, Hubbard was taken to Pulkovo Airport during a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg. The U.S. government has expressed gratitude and is monitoring the situation closely.
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