Russia frees jailed American Stephen Hubbard during Putin-Witkoff talks
Russia freed jailed American Stephen Hubbard during talks between President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, with Putin announcing the release amid Ukraine peace negotiations. Hubbard, sentenced to seven years in prison in 2024 on mercenary charges he denies, was taken to the airport, and Witkoff confirmed he was "going home to his family." President Donald Trump said he requested the release directly during a phone call with Putin last week. Trump claimed no swap was required, though he noted suspending sanctions was a necessary concession to keep negotiations alive. The release is seen as a goodwill gesture as Witkoff and Putin discussed a potential Ukraine peace deal, with Witkoff presenting proposals and Putin suggesting trilateral talks with China.