American Citizen Released from Russian Custody
Stephen Hubbard, 72, flown out of St. Petersburg after Trump's direct request to Putin; US envoy discusses peace talks.
Callum Smith
Russia has released an American citizen jailed for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin, discussing proposals to end the European conflict and exploring renewed trilateral peace talks.
Witkoff prepared to fly home from St. Petersburg with Hubbard. Trump asserted on Truth Social that Hubbard's release stemmed from a telephone call he made to Putin last week.
Russian prosecutors claimed Mr. Hubbard joined Ukrainian forces in Izyum as a mercenary. Russian state media further alleged he signed a contract worth around $1,000 a month.
Hubbard, a former schoolteacher, denies these charges. He consistently denied involvement with any combat or military unit, stating Russians took him from his house.
The organization campaigning for Robert Gilman's release claimed Stephen Hubbard endured torture in Russian custody. Marine veteran Robert Gilman gained freedom from Russian jails in August on humanitarian grounds.
Donald Trump indicated that The United States gave nothing in return for Hubbard's release. No “swap” was necessary for this release, and the Biden Administration achieved nothing in its negotiations with the Kremlin for Hubbard's freedom.
Trump's statement on Truth Social asserted the United States gave nothing in return for Hubbard's release. He also claimed no “swap” was necessary for this release, and that the Biden Administration achieved nothing in its negotiations with the Kremlin for Hubbard's freedom.