Stephen Hubbard: American Released by Russia After Trump Request

prensalibre.com (Spanish) —

President Donald Trump announced the release of American teacher Stephen James Hubbard from Russian custody, following a direct request to Vladimir Putin during their October 14 phone call. Trump linked the release to his decision to suspend sanctions against Russia. Hubbard, a 73-year-old former Michigan resident, had been sentenced to seven years in prison in 2024 on mercenary charges. Russian authorities said he fought for Ukrainian forces after enlisting in 2014, though Hubbard later denied this, and he was captured in 2022. The release comes amid rising tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has accused Washington of delaying interceptor missile deliveries and restricting intelligence sharing. The White House has denied claims it is trying to force Ukraine into negotiations with Russia.


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