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

Russia Frees 74-Year-Old American Stephen Hubbard After Years in Custody

Activelifezero.com – Russia frees 74 year old American Stephen Hubbard after he spent more than four years in detention on allegations that he fought for Ukraine as a mercenary. Hubbard, a retired teacher, was released following a direct appeal from US President Donald Trump as Washington and Moscow continued contacts linked to the war in Ukraine.

Hubbard was detained in occupied eastern Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Russian authorities accused him of joining combat for Kyiv, while his family and the US State Department said the allegations were fabricated.

A US official said Hubbard left Russia and was traveling back to the United States. Video from Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg showed him meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev on Wednesday. Hubbard was seen standing and walking without assistance, following years of concern from relatives about his health in prison.

Release announced during Putin-Witkoff talks

The announcement came as Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in discussions connected to efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The timing brought a humanitarian case into the wider and unresolved diplomatic negotiations between the two countries.

Witkoff thanked Putin for allowing Hubbard to leave and called the Russian leader a “humanitarian.” Putin remains subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and has overseen a broad crackdown on political opposition inside Russia.

“Putin sends you blessings and wishes you good things.”

Witkoff relayed that message to Hubbard at the airport. For Hubbard’s family, the release ended a long period of uncertainty over his welfare, legal case and chances of returning home.

Trump says no prisoner exchange was needed

Trump said the United States did not have to give Russia anything in return for Hubbard’s freedom. In a social media post Wednesday, he said Russia sought nothing in exchange “out of respect for President Trump.”

In a later post, Trump connected the release to the broader diplomatic environment, saying negotiations would have stopped if sanctions had been imposed. His approach to Moscow has drawn criticism from those who believe it has come at Ukraine’s expense.

Ukraine has accused the United States of limiting intelligence sharing on incoming Russian missiles, slowing important Starlink services and delaying weapons deliveries. Kyiv’s concerns increased after Trump waived certain sanctions against Russia, a move criticized by Republicans and Democrats.

Family welcomes Hubbard’s return

Hubbard’s son, Joseph Coleman, thanked Trump and other US officials for helping secure his father’s release. His comments reflected the relief of a family that had spent years seeking Hubbard’s return from Russian detention.

“Never once did we waver as we prayed for success in these negotiations, and we must acknowledge that this humanitarian move by President Putin in this matter is deeply appreciated.”

Russia frees 74 year old American Hubbard at a time when the cases of other detained US citizens remain tied to difficult questions of war, sanctions and diplomacy. His release does not resolve the situation for Americans who are still imprisoned in Russia.

Hubbard is among several Americans released from Russian custody in recent months. In August, Marine veteran Robert Gilman was freed on humanitarian grounds amid serious concerns about his health. He returned to the United States on a specialized medical aircraft, and an advocacy organization said he had been tortured while detained.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Stephen Hubbard? Hubbard is a 74-year-old American retired teacher who was detained in occupied eastern Ukraine in 2022 and later imprisoned by Russia.

Why was Stephen Hubbard held in Russia? Russian authorities accused Hubbard of fighting for Ukraine as a mercenary. His family and the US State Department said the claims were fabricated.

Was Hubbard released in a prisoner exchange? Trump said the United States did not provide anything to Russia in exchange for Hubbard’s release.

Where is Hubbard now? A US official said Hubbard had left Russia and was traveling back to the United States after his release.