US citizen Stephen Hubbard freed by Russia and 'on his way home', Trump says - BBC News
Russia has agreed to release Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen who was jailed for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine. Hubbard has been taken to Pulkovo Airport, according to President Putin during talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg, state media reports.
President Trump stated that Hubbard was "on his way back home" and emphasized that "there was no 'swap' necessary for this release." Hubbard, a former teacher from Michigan, was sentenced to almost seven years in a penal colony in 2024.
Writing on social media, Trump attributed the release to a request he "made directly" to Putin last week. He also noted that Hubbard, who had been in poor health, was expected to be flown to Texas for treatment.
Russian state media reported that Witkoff thanked Putin for Hubbard's release and, on Trump's behalf, for the deal struck with Washington earlier this month to import Russian diesel. The first shipment under the agreement is set to leave Russia "in two to three days," according to Putin.
This release comes amid strained relations between Ukraine and the US, triggered by Trump's recent suspension of several Russian sanctions and his suggestion that Ukraine elect a new leader. Kyiv had also accused Washington of halting intelligence sharing on Russian strikes, an allegation denied by the US. However, intelligence sharing has reportedly resumed following talks in Oslo.
During their meeting in St Petersburg, Witkoff highlighted the diesel deal as an example of what could be achieved through cooperation, stating, "Your decision to remove export controls on diesel oil from Russia... I think that was really important... I know [President Trump] is deeply grateful for it."