Russia releases American prisoner Stephen Hubbard following talks with Trump envoy

OPA WIRE, Oct 21 (OPA) — Stephen Hubbard, a retired teacher from Michigan, was released from Russian custody on Wednesday. Hubbard had been held since April 2022, when he was seized by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. He was subsequently sentenced to nearly seven years in prison on mercenary charges, which U.S. officials and his family have consistently characterized as false.

President Trump announced the release on Truth Social, stating the move occurred after a telephone conversation with President Putin last week. Trump claimed the administration secured the release without a prisoner swap, asserting that Putin acted out of respect for him. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin in St. Petersburg, facilitated the final arrangements for Hubbard’s return.

Hubbard was the final American citizen designated by the State Department as wrongfully detained in Russia. His release coincides with a broader shift in U.S.-Russia relations, marked by Trump’s recent decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports. The administration maintains that these diplomatic maneuvers are intended to stabilize global fuel prices, which have risen significantly amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The decision to waive sanctions has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who labeled the policy shift irresponsible. While Trump initially claimed Russia requested nothing in exchange for Hubbard, he later suggested that negotiations would have stalled without the sanctions relief. The administration continues to face pressure regarding domestic fuel costs as the midterm elections approach.