Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard after four years in prison
U.S. President Trump claims his administration secured release of former teacher.
Key facts
- Stephen Hubbard, 74‑year‑old former Michigan teacher, released from Russian prison after four years.
- President Donald Trump said the U.S. secured the release and no payment was required.
- Hubbard was convicted in 2024 for signing a contract with the Ukrainian military and fighting alongside its forces.
- Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met Hubbard in St. Petersburg after release.
- New York Times reported the release buys goodwill for Trump while costing little to Putin.
Stephen Hubbard, a 74‑year‑old former teacher from Michigan, was freed from a Russian prison on 21 October 2026 after serving four years. According to Al Jazeera, the release followed a closed‑door trial in 2024.
Russian prosecutors said Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian military and fought alongside its forces before being captured. He was sentenced to seven years in 2024.
President Donald Trump said on social media that the U.S. secured Hubbard’s release and that no payment was required. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met Hubbard in St. Petersburg after the release.
The release occurred during a visit by a top U.S. envoy to Russia and after Trump had waived sanctions on Russia that were intended to support Ukraine. Trump also announced a deal to import Russian diesel fuel.
The New York Times reported that the move buys goodwill for Trump while costing little to President Vladimir Putin, who is wanted for war crimes.
Context
Hubbard’s family had been living in Ukraine before Russia launched its full‑scale invasion in 2022. The release reflects recent U.S. policy shifts that Ukraine says reward Moscow.
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How this was made
Compiled by our AI newsroom from 2 independent outlets, checked by a separate AI editor against the sources. Only claims found in the sources are reported. Spot an error? Every source is linked below.
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