US citizen Stephen Hubbard freed by Russia as Trump envoy meets Putin
Russia has released a 74-year-old American citizen who was jailed for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine, as President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg for talks.
TL;DR
- Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American, has been released from Russian detention.
- Hubbard was accused of fighting for Ukraine and sentenced to nearly seven years in prison.
- President Trump stated the release followed his direct request to President Putin and that no prisoner swap was necessary.
- US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss various issues, including peace talks and economic cooperation.
- The meeting also touched upon a recent US-Russia deal to import Russian diesel, which had angered Ukraine.
- Discussions included the situation surrounding Iran and potential economic collaboration, such as Russian fertilizer exports to the US.