WASHINGTON, Oct 21 — Stephen Hubbard, an American taken captive by Russian forces years ago in Ukraine, has been freed and was “on his way back home”, US President Donald Trump said today.
Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced the prisoner release during a meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Russian news agencies reported.
Putin reportedly said that Hubbard was at Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg, adding that Witkoff had thanked the Russian leader for the release.
Hubbard, a retired English teacher in his 70s, was sentenced in a closed trial in October 2024 to nearly seven years in prison for “mercenary work” on behalf of Ukraine, a charge he denies.
