Russia releases US citizen Stephen Hubbard from prison

tagesschau.de (German) —

Russia has released US citizen Stephen Hubbard, as confirmed by President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff. Hubbard was sentenced in Moscow in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison on charges of alleged mercenary activity for Ukraine. Putin announced Hubbard's release during Witkoff's visit to St. Petersburg, stating he was already at Pulkowo Airport. Witkoff confirmed the release and thanked Putin. The envoy is in Russia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, having met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump had recently requested Hubbard's release, saying he spoke extensively with Putin about the case. Hubbard, a retired teacher aged 72 at sentencing, was captured in 2022 and tried behind closed doors. His family and lawyer deny the charges. Separately, Russia's FSB reported arresting a German national accused of deserting Ukrainian forces.


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