In brief
President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia has freed Stephen Hubbard, an American who was convicted of fighting in support of Ukraine. Hubbard, 72, received a nearly seven‑year sentence in 2024 after being captured by Russian forces in 2022 while serving in a defence unit in Izyum. He has now been taken to Pulkovo Airport for departure. The announcement came during talks between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Russia releases American citizen Stephen Hubbard, says State Media
President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia has freed Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen who was imprisoned for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine.
Hubbard, a 72‑year‑old from Michigan, was sentenced in 2024 to almost seven years in a Russian penal colony after being captured by Russian forces in 2022 while serving in a defence unit in the eastern city of Izyum.
According to state media, he was retrieved by Russian officials and taken to Pulkovo Airport, where he will be flown back to the United States. The release was confirmed during a meeting between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
