Stephen Hubbard

Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan, has been released from a Russian prison. He had been serving a sentence of nearly seven years on charges of fighting as a mercenary on behalf of Ukraine. His release was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin following appeals from former US President Donald Trump. Hubbard's freedom came amid talks between Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump's administration had previously requested Hubbard's release. Russia stated that Hubbard's release was an act of respect for President Trump and that the US was not required to give anything in return. Hubbard has since been taken to Pulkovo Airport.