American Teacher Freed From Russia After Four Years; Trump Blames Democrats for Delay

President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian" during a St. Petersburg visit, following the release of Stephen James Hubbard, a 74-year-old American teacher held in Russia for over four years. Hubbard was seized in Ukraine, accused of being a mercenary, and sentenced to over six years in a penal colony, with the State Department calling the charges fabricated. His release followed a direct appeal from Trump to Putin last week, with Trump stating no swap was necessary. Trump credited himself on Truth Social, blaming Democrats and former President Biden for not securing Hubbard's release earlier. The release came amid a turbulent period where Trump has sided with Russia on issues like diesel purchases and sanctions, while urging Ukraine to replace its president.