Stephen Hubbard, US prisoner freed by Russia, released after 3 years

lalibre.be (French) —

Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old American, was released from Russian custody on Wednesday after being detained since 2022, with his freedom announced by Vladimir Putin during talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Hubbard was arrested in April 2022 after Russian forces took Izyum, Ukraine, and was convicted of mercenary activity in October 2024, receiving a six-year and ten-month sentence. Fellow inmates reported he was beaten, denied food and medical care in a Russian penal colony. U.S. President Donald Trump denied any quid pro quo for the release, though he acknowledged a "major and important agreement" with Russia, as bilateral ties appear to be warming.


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