Russia Releases American Stephen Hubbard After More Than Four Years in Prison
Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, after more than four years of imprisonment. Russian President Vladimir Putin informed U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff of the release during a meeting in…
Sioux Falls, SD, October 21, 2026 —
Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, after more than four years in prison, according to a summary of the report.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff about Hubbard’s release during a meeting in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Russian state media reported. The specific date of the meeting was not provided.
The available information does not describe when or where Hubbard was released, the circumstances of his imprisonment, or whether he faced a conviction. It identifies him as having been accused of fighting as a mercenary, but gives no further details about the accusation or any legal proceedings.
It also does not say where Hubbard was taken after his release, whether he has left Russia, or what arrangements were made following the announcement. No statement from Hubbard or his representatives was included in the information provided.
The report links the announcement of the release to Putin’s conversation with Witkoff, but does not provide further details about what the two discussed or whether the release was part of a broader agreement. The names of any other officials involved and the timing of the release itself were not specified.
Hubbard’s release ends a period of imprisonment lasting more than four years, according to the report. Further information about the case, his current location and the circumstances of his release was not available.
Story summarized from the original created by Olivia-Anne Cleary on time.com, see more information here.
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