Russia releases American Stephen Hubbard jailed for fighting Ukraine

Russia released American Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old suspected of fighting for Ukraine, who had been detained since 2022 and sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison. President Vladimir Putin confirmed the release, with no prisoner exchange offered in return. The Trump administration's official profile stated the U.S. "did not need to offer anything in exchange," while a Truth Social post criticized former President Joe Biden's administration for failing in its negotiations. Earlier this month, the U.S. signed a diesel agreement with Russia, violating fuel export prohibitions and suspending sanctions on Russian exports until 2027. Hubbard, now 74, worked as a teacher and served in the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. He lived in Japan for 25 years before moving to Ukraine in 2014, settling in Izium with a Ukrainian partner. His release followed the arrival of U.S. envoy Witkoff in Russia, who is presenting an updated proposal to end the war.