In brief
Russia has agreed to release Stephen Hubbard, a 72‑year‑old American citizen who was convicted of fighting on behalf of Ukraine. The announcement followed meetings with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg and was made at Pulkovo Airport. Hubbard, originally from Michigan, was sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in a penal colony after being captured while serving in a defence unit near Izyum. The decision to free him comes amid ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the two nations. U.S. officials expect Hubbard to depart Russia shortly.
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has agreed to free Stephen Hubbard, a 72‑year‑old American who had been convicted of fighting on Ukraine's side and sentenced in 2024 to almost seven years in a penal colony.
The decision was confirmed during talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg, where Hubbard was reportedly taken to Pulkovo Airport for departure.
Hubbard, originally from Michigan, was captured by Russian forces while serving in a defence unit near the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum two years before. Prosecutors said he was found in an area controlled by Russian troops after the Battle of Izyum.
State media released a brief statement at 9:20 p.m. local time, noting that the release comes after continued diplomatic exchanges. U.S. officials are awaiting formal release documents and expect Hubbard to leave Russia shortly.
For further updates, please check the official U.S. State Department statement or follow live coverage on the relevant news outlets.
