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Russia Frees American Stephen Hubbard, 74, After Trump Personally Asked Putin to Let Him Go
The last American officially listed as wrongfully detained in Russia walked free Wednesday, released during talks between Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg — with the White House saying nothing was given in return.
ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA — Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American who spent more than four years in Russian custody, was released on Wednesday after President Trump personally asked Vladimir Putin to free him, the White House said.
Putin announced the release as he opened a new round of talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who is pushing to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. Witkoff thanked Putin for letting Hubbard go, calling him "a humanitarian" in remarks carried by CBS News.
No Swap, Trump Says
Unlike most past prisoner releases between Washington and Moscow, this one did not involve a trade. Trump said he asked Putin directly in a phone call the week before to release Hubbard, and that the United States, "out of respect" for the request, gave up nothing in exchange. Trump also tied the release to his own decision to hold off on a fresh round of sanctions against Russia that had been set to take effect last week, suggesting Hubbard would not have come home otherwise, according to RFE/RL.
"OUT OF RESPECT FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP... NOT REQUIRED TO GIVE UP ANYONE IN RETURN."
Hubbard was detained by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine back in 2022. After a closed trial in 2024, he was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison on charges that he had fought as a mercenary for Ukraine — allegations he has consistently denied. The State Department had designated him the last American officially classified as wrongfully detained inside Russia.
The timing lands Hubbard's release squarely inside Witkoff's latest diplomatic push, as the Trump administration presses Kyiv to accept terms to end the war even as it keeps warmer channels open with Moscow. Critics, including some in Congress, have questioned whether easing sanctions pressure on Russia in exchange for humanitarian gestures undercuts leverage over the broader war.
Hubbard's family has not yet spoken publicly in detail about his return. It remains unclear where he will be received first or whether he requires medical attention after more than four years behind bars.