American Teacher Released from Russian Prison Following Trump’s Intervention
Former President Donald Trump announced the release of Stephen Hubbard, a retired U.S. teacher detained in Russia for nearly four years. Hubbard was accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine when he was captured.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared that Hubbard’s release was a direct result of his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week. “Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family,” Trump stated, highlighting that no concessions were made by the United States for his release—a rare occurrence in dealings with Russia.
Hubbard was sentenced to almost seven years in prison in 2024 after prosecutors claimed he had joined the Ukrainian military after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. He fought alongside them until he was captured just two months later.
During an earlier meeting, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff informed Putin that “because of you, he’s going home to his family.” This emphasizes the diplomatic discussions that led to Hubbard’s return.
Additionally, Trump pointed out that many who had previously called for sanctions against Russia have since apologized, realizing that such actions might have disrupted the negotiations for Hubbard’s release. Trump criticized the Biden administration for not achieving this outcome sooner, stating, “What a difference a President makes!”
Hubbard, who hails from Michigan, was 72 at the time of his capture. Now 74, he is expected to return home to celebrate with his family. Trump’s remarks express a sense of relief and celebration, saying, “Welcome home Stephen, it’s great to have you back.”
The situation sheds light on the ongoing complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, especially regarding American citizens caught in international conflicts.
