Russia releases American teacher imprisoned on Ukraine mercenary charges after Trump pressed Putin

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President Donald Trump secured the release fromRussiaof a retired U.S.teacher who was locked up on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.

“Stephen Hubbard, taken four years ago by Russia during the Biden Administration, was just released from prison, at the request of President Donald J.Trump, made directly to President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation last week,” according to a Wednesday morning Truth Socialpostissued byTrump.

“Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family.The United States, out of respect for President Trump, was not required to give anything in return — an unprecedented situation for Russia.There was no ‘swap’ necessary for this release.This major return should have taken place long ago through the Biden Administration, which got nowhere in its negotiations with the Kremlin.Stephen is on his way back home.

“‘Welcome home Stephen, it’s great to have you back,'” Trump said, according to the post.

RUSSIA JAILS AMERICAN STEPHEN HUBBARD OVER FIGHTING AS A MERCENARY IN UKRAINE

A screen set up in a hall of the Moscow City Court broadcasts the verdict announcement in the trial of U.S.citizen Stephen Hubbard, 72, accused of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, in Moscow on Oct.7, 2024.(NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Hubbard, aMichiganman, was sentenced in 2024 to almost seven years imprisonment.Prosecutors said he had signed a contract with the Ukrainian military after Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, and that he fought alongside them until being captured two months later.

U.S.envoy Steve Witkoff told Russian President Vladimir Putin of Hubbard during a Wednesday meeting that “because of you, he’s going home to his family.”

TRUMP TRIES DIFFERENT APPROACH WITH RUSSIA TO BRING AMERICANS RELIEF AMID ONGOING WAR WITH UKRAINE

Steve Witkoff, U.S.special envoy, speaks at a Board of Peace High Level Briefing on Sept.23, 2026 in New York City.(Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)

“He’s a 75-year-old man,” Witkoff noted of Hubbard, describing Putin as a “humanitarian.”

President Trump noted on Tuesday that he had been in communication with Putin about Hubbard.

TRUMP WAIVES MANY RUSSIAN SANCTIONS, TARIFFS UNDER NEW LAW BACKED BY LINDSEY GRAHAM

Stephen Hubbard was charged with fighting as a mercenary in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, appears for a hearing at the Moscow City Court in Moscow, Russia on Oct.8, 2024.(Moscow City Court/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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“I’ve been talking to President Putin about Mr.Hubbard.I’ve been talking to him at length.I’ve asked him to release him,” Trumpsaid.“Let’s see what happens.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.