Putin frees American Stephen Hubbard in Russia-US prisoner exchange
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of American Stephen Hubbard, who was detained in Russia on mercenary charges related to Ukraine, during a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on Wednesday. Hubbard is now en route to the United States. President Donald Trump confirmed Hubbard's release on Truth Social, stating it occurred without any "quid pro quo" from the US. Hubbard had been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison in October 2024 following a closed trial. His release coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Moscow. The release comes amid broader US-Russia negotiations, including Witkoff's visit to discuss a potential peace agreement for Ukraine. The meeting follows Witkoff's discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Oslo, where US officials described talks as "very productive."