Michigan native Stephen Hubbard returns to U.S. after release from Russian prison

Stephen Hubbard, a Michigan native wrongfully imprisoned in Russia for over four years, landed back in the U.S. late Wednesday after his release, according to President Trump, who expects him to visit the White House soon. Hubbard, 74, was released during a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was captured in Ukraine in 2022, accused of fighting for Ukraine, and sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony, though his family disputed the charges. Trump said Putin agreed to release Hubbard at his request with no swap, crediting his halt of new sanctions. Critics linked the release to short-term U.S. interests, and Russia launched major missile strikes on Ukraine overnight, raising concerns about appeasement.