Russia Frees American Teacher After Trump Envoy Visit

Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American teacher who had been jailed for over four years, following a request from former President Donald Trump. The release occurred as Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg for discussions on ending the war in Ukraine.

According to Trump, Hubbard's release was an act of "respect for President Trump" and did not require any reciprocal action or "swap" from the United States. Trump criticized the Biden administration for its perceived inability to secure such releases, highlighting this as a significant diplomatic achievement. Hubbard, a former teacher, was reportedly imprisoned on charges of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine.