Putin orders release of jailed American as he meets Trump envoy for Ukraine talks
Russia unilaterally frees Stephen Hubbard after US request while Steve Witkoff praises Putin as a ‘humanitarian’
TL;DR
- Vladimir Putin ordered the release of American Stephen Hubbard, who had spent over four years in Russian jails.
- The release followed a direct request from Donald Trump to Putin.
- Trump envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in St. Petersburg for talks on ending the war in Ukraine.
- Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian and conveyed Trump's thanks for resuming Russian diesel exports to the US.
- Witkoff presented Putin with 'ideas' for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
- The US envoy's visit comes amid reports of strained relations between Washington and Kyiv, partly due to Trump's stance on the conflict and sanctions.
- Ukraine has experienced disruptions in US intelligence-sharing and access to Starlink, though some warnings of Russian attacks have resumed.
- Despite efforts, there are few signs of an imminent breakthrough in the conflict, with Russia appearing intent on its maximalist war aims.