In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the release of Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher imprisoned in Russia for nearly seven years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Hubbard, a 75-year-old from Michigan, was reportedly captured in May 2024 after signing a contract with the Ukrainian military following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Trump revealed on his Truth Social platform that he personally appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation last week, leading directly to Hubbard’s freedom. According to Trump’s post, Russia released Hubbard as a gesture of respect for him, without requiring any reciprocal concessions or a prisoner swap, a situation he described as unprecedented and a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s unsuccessful negotiations. Trump further emphasized that his direct engagement prevented potential sanctions from derailing the release, highlighting the effectiveness of his approach. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, present at a meeting with Putin, conveyed thanks for Hubbard’s imminent return, acknowledging the Russian president’s role in this humanitarian act.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
