Russia frees 74-year-old American Stephen Hubbard captured in occupied Ukraine after 4 years

Russia has freed Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American retired teacher who had been imprisoned for more than four years following his capture in occupied eastern Ukraine in 2022. Hubbard had been accused of fighting as a mercenary for Kyiv in what his family and the State Department maintained were fabricated charges.

His release followed a direct appeal from US President Donald Trump and coincided with a meeting in St. Petersburg between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine. A US official confirmed that Hubbard was out of Russia and returning to the United States.

During their meeting, Witkoff thanked Putin for the release, referring to the Russian leader as a "humanitarian". Video footage captured Hubbard—who had faced health concerns during his detention—walking on his own and meeting with Witkoff and Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev at Pulkovo Airport.

US President Trump stated on social media that Russia did not require anything in return for Hubbard’s release "out of respect for President Trump," while noting elsewhere that ongoing negotiations required maintaining certain policy stances.

 The release unfolds amid broader diplomatic friction between Washington and Kyiv regarding intelligence sharing, weapon supplies, and recent US waivers on certain Russian sanctions.

Hubbard’s son, Joseph Coleman, expressed deep gratitude to President Trump and US officials for securing his father's freedom, calling the move a deeply appreciated humanitarian gesture.

While Hubbard has been safely returned, several other American citizens remain imprisoned in Russian detention facilities under various charges, prompting ongoing calls from advocacy groups and families for continued diplomatic efforts.