Russia releases American teacher Stephen Hubbard following US pressure

Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher who was imprisoned on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Fox News and the Irish Times both reported that the release was confirmed by United States envoy Steve Witkoff. The New York Times reported that Donald Trump asked Vladimir Putin to free the Michigan man, who was seized from his home in Ukraine after Russia invaded. [1][2][5]

The Irish Times reported that Stephen Hubbard is 72 years old and was taken to Pulkovo Airport. Fox News and the Irish Times both noted that he was arrested and sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison. [1][2]

The release coincided with diplomatic discussions in Saint Petersburg. The Irish Times reported that Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace for talks aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine. According to Russian news agency Interfax, quoted by the Irish Times, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated that the conflict in Ukraine was the main focus of the discussions. [2]

The diplomatic movement comes alongside broader commentary on the conflict. The Daily Express reported that Donald Trump defended Vladimir Putin and claimed Russia has been fine on Ukraine. As FTMQ News reported earlier, relations between the United States and Ukraine have experienced strain following recent policy shifts, including calls from Donald Trump for a ceasefire. [3][13][14]