Trump Secures Stephen Hubbard's Release from Russia with No Swap
Russia released American Stephen Hubbard after a request from President Trump, who stated no prisoner exchange was needed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of American Stephen Hubbard, 74, following a request from President Trump. Hubbard, a retired Michigan school teacher and former National Guard member, was captured in eastern Ukraine shortly after Russia's February 2022 invasion and later sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony on mercenary charges.
Hubbard was formally designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government. His release, confirmed by Trump on Wednesday, means there are currently no Americans determined to be wrongfully detained in Russia. Hubbard was at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport waiting to depart after his release. His son, an Orthodox priest, described the event as a 'gift of mercy.'
Trump's role and no prisoner exchange
President Trump confirmed the release during a meeting in St. Petersburg between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Putin. Trump stated the release followed a direct request he made to Putin last week. On social media, Trump claimed Russia acted 'out of respect for President Trump' and that 'there was no 'swap' necessary for this release.' He added the U.S. 'hadn't given anything in return' and criticized the prior administration for failing to secure Hubbard's freedom.
Hubbard was the only American released in this instance without a corresponding prisoner exchange. His sister had previously said accusations he joined a Ukrainian military unit were unlikely due to his age and disinterest in military affairs.
Diplomatic context and energy deal
The release occurred during envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Putin at the Constantine Palace, which included discussions on a new U.S. peace plan for Ukraine. Kremlin financial adviser Kirill Dmitriev was present. Russian state media released footage of Hubbard shaking hands with Witkoff.
The meeting also finalized a new agreement for Russian diesel shipments to the United States. Putin announced the first tankers carrying 60,000 tons of Russian diesel would depart for the U.S. within two or three days. Witkoff thanked Putin for the diesel deal, which Trump said made him 'deeply grateful.' The release occurred just five days after Trump announced a waiver of some sanctions on Russia before they were set to take effect.
Ukrainian and U.S. political reactions
Ukrainian officials reacted with fury to the diplomatic developments. They were particularly angered by Witkoff's comment to Putin during the meeting. Steve Witkoff said: "You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir."
Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of Ukraine's foreign affairs committee, condemned the statement. Oleksandr Merezhko said: "It's like calling Hitler a humanitarian in the middle of the Second World War. Putin is committing genocide against Ukrainians." Ukrainians view Putin as the driving force behind a war that has caused over 17,000 civilian deaths since 2022.
In the United States, Congress criticized Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia, with some Republicans joining the disapproval. Republican Representative Don Bacon called the situation 'another embarrassment,' while Senator John Cornyn called Putin 'a stone cold killer.' Vice President JD Vance stated he cared less about Witkoff's comments than about bringing Hubbard home. The State Department called the release 'a welcome step.'
The first Russian diesel tankers carrying 60,000 tons are scheduled to depart for the U.S. within 2 or 3 days.
