Russia Releases 74-Year-Old American Stephen Hubbard

Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran and retired teacher from Michigan, returned to the United States after more than four years in Russian custody. Russia accused him of fighting as a mercenary with Ukrainian forces and sentenced him in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison; Hubbard denied the allegation, and the Biden administration designated him wrongfully detained. His release followed President Donald Trump’s appeal to Vladimir Putin and envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Russia, without a prisoner exchange; Hubbard arrived at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland for medical and psychological support and plans to live with his sister in Colorado. Witkoff called Putin a “humanitarian,” drawing criticism from Ukrainian lawmakers, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, British officials and others, while Trump distanced himself from the characterization. Trump defended easing sanctions on Russia to sustain negotiations, and Putin agreed in principle to resume trilateral talks with the United States and Ukraine after Nov. 10.