Trump Teases Release of Stephen Hubbard, American Man Jailed in Russia
Trump teases release of American man jailed in Russia
Key points
- Putin said Russia agreed to release Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen jailed in Russia.
- Hubbard was arrested in eastern Ukraine in 2022 and sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony in October 2024.
- Prosecutors accused Hubbard of serving in a defence unit in Izyum and manning a checkpoint.
- The U.S. State Department has classified Hubbard as 'wrongfully detained'.
- Trump said he has been focused on Hubbard and has asked Putin to release him, and that a resolution could happen soon. Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading negotiations on Hubbard’s case. Hubbard is expected to be flown to Texas for medical treatment. First diesel shipment under agreement will leave Russia in two to three days. Witkoff thanked Putin for the release and the diesel deal.
President Vladimir Putin said Russia agreed to release Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen jailed in Russia, during talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg. Russian state media verified the announcement, citing Putin’s statement that Russia would free a 74-year-old American man convicted of supporting Ukraine during hostilities.
Hubbard was taken into custody in eastern Ukraine in 2022 and handed a nearly seven-year sentence in a penal colony in October 2024. Prosecutors accused him of serving in a defence unit in Izyum, Ukraine, and of manning a checkpoint and fighting for Ukraine. The U.S. State Department has classified Hubbard as 'wrongfully detained'.
President Donald Trump said he has been focused on Hubbard and has asked Putin to release him. Trump told reporters: 'Watch what happens, we have been focused on Hubbard.' Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading negotiations on Hubbard’s case and broader peace talks.
Hubbard, originally from Michigan, is expected to be flown to Texas for medical treatment due to poor health. Russian state media reported that Witkoff thanked Putin for the release and for the diesel deal. The first shipment under a separate agreement to import Russian diesel will leave Russia in two to three days, according to Putin’s remarks during the meeting.
The Ukrainian president has expressed concern over the diesel agreement.
This release is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Russia.
Related: Trump, first lady unveil new women's health initiative with NIH division and task force ·
Questions and answers
- Is Stephen Hubbard still in Russian custody?
- Is Stephen Hubbard still in Russian custody?
- What is the U.S. position on Hubbard's detention?
- What is the U.S. position on Hubbard's detention?
- When will the first diesel shipment leave Russia?
- When will the first diesel shipment leave Russia?
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