Putin releases American prisoner as Russia ships diesel to US
Vladimir Putin approved the release of an American prisoner, a gesture Donald Trump framed as evidence of their personal relationship, ahead of Russia sending 40,000 tons of diesel fuel to the United States. The release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American imprisoned for over four years, followed a three-hour meeting between Putin and Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg. Trump stated Putin asked for nothing in return, while discussions also covered resuming Ukraine peace talks after November 10. The diesel shipment, scheduled to depart Thursday, coincides with Trump delaying new sanctions on Russian oil exports. The diplomatic rapprochement has drawn criticism from former US officials and raised concerns in Kyiv about Ukraine being excluded from negotiations.