Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American who had spent more than four years in Russian detention over accusations that he fought as a mercenary for Ukraine.
Hubbard, a retired teacher from Michigan, was captured in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine in 2022. He was accused of fighting for Kyiv, but his family and the US State Department said the charges were fabricated. The US government had classified his detention as wrongful.
US Envoy Meets Hubbard After His Release
US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Hubbard at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg on Wednesday after his release. Video footage showed Hubbard standing and walking on his own.
Witkoff thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for releasing Hubbard and described the move as a humanitarian gesture.
US President Donald Trump said he had personally raised Hubbard’s case with Putin and requested his release. Trump also said Russia had not demanded anything in return.
Hubbard’s son, Joseph Coleman, thanked Trump and other American officials for helping secure his father’s freedom.
Release Comes During US-Russia Peace Talks
Hubbard’s release came as Witkoff met Putin for discussions aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine.
The decision has drawn attention because relations between Washington and Kyiv have faced tensions over intelligence sharing, military support and other issues. Trump’s decision to ease some sanctions against Russia also attracted criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.
Although Trump said Russia had made no demands in exchange for Hubbard’s release, he later suggested that imposing sanctions could have disrupted negotiations.
Other Americans Remain in Russian Detention
Hubbard is the latest American citizen to be released from Russian custody, but several others remain imprisoned.
Among them is Andre Khachatoorian, who was sentenced to eight and a half years for arms trafficking, charges he denies.
David Barnes was arrested in 2022 following allegations made by his former wife, according to the Foley Foundation, an organization that advocates for hostages and people wrongfully detained abroad.
Aleksander Antonov, a naturalized US citizen originally from the Soviet Union, was arrested in 2025 while attempting to cross from Russia into Estonia. He was later sentenced to six years on charges related to terrorism and extremism.
Olga Jezler, a permanent US resident, received a 10-year sentence in a drug-trafficking case involving CBD oil that she reportedly carried for her sister.
Chuck Zimmerman, described by supporters as a Navy veteran, was reportedly intercepted by the Russian navy while sailing in international waters. He was charged with arms trafficking after a firearm was found on board.
What Happens Next?
Hubbard’s release marks another case of an American returning home after years in Russian detention. However, other Americans remain behind bars, and their families continue to seek diplomatic efforts to secure their freedom.
The case also highlights how individual detainee releases can become part of broader diplomatic discussions between the United States and Russia.
