Trump Says Russia Made No Demands in US Prisoner Release
President Donald Trump said Russia made no demands for releasing American prisoner Stephen Hubbard, who was freed after nearly seven years in captivity, though Trump later suggested sanctions could have derailed the negotiations. Putin announced Hubbard's release during a meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, with the 74-year-old retired teacher taken to a St Petersburg airport. Trump wrote on Truth Social that no "swap" was necessary, but added that imposing sanctions would have halted the talks entirely. The release coincided with broader US-Russia discussions, including a Russian diesel deal criticized by Ukraine and its allies. Ukrainian President Zelensky reiterated he would not surrender eastern territories, calling for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations.