Russia frees an imprisoned American as Putin meets Trump's envoy

Stephen Hubbard, a 75-year-old retired English teacher held in Russia for four years, is on his way home. Vladimir Putin announced his release Wednesday while receiving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Saint Petersburg.

Stephen Hubbard's detention

1. Apr 2, 2022

   Captured in Izium, Ukraine, according to Russia

2. Sep 2024

   Russia reveals it is holding him as his closed-door trial opens

3. Oct 2024

   Sentenced to nearly seven years for mercenary activity

4. Oct 21

   Released and heading back to the United States

A closed-door Russian trial sentenced Hubbard in October 2024 to nearly seven years for fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, a charge he denies.

Donald Trump said the United States gave nothing in exchange, then hailed a major deal in a second post and said sanctions would have stopped the talks.

Background

Last week Trump exempted Russia from major sanctions passed by Congress, days after a deal lifting others so the U.S. can import large amounts of Russian diesel.