In brief
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of Stephen Hubbard, a Michigan native convicted in 2024 for fighting on Ukraine’s side and sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony. The 72‑year‑old was transferred from a Russian penal facility to Pulkovo Airport during a visit by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Hubbard had been captured in the eastern city of Izium while serving in a defence unit two years earlier. The departure follows diplomatic discussions that may hint at a broader prisoner swap, though no definitive agreement has yet been disclosed. Officials and analysts will watch subsequent moves closely as the situation evolves.
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has released the U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been held for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine.
Hubbard, a 72‑year‑old native of Michigan, was transferred to Pulkovo Airport after a 2024 conviction in a Russian penal colony that carried a sentence of nearly seven years.
According to prosecutors, Hubbard was serving in a defence unit in the eastern city of Izium when he was seized by Russian forces two years earlier.
The release comes amid talks between President Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg. Details of a possible prisoner swap or further diplomatic arrangements remain unclear at this stage and experts say observers will monitor subsequent developments closely.
