The key facts
- Putin released Stephen Hubbard, convicted of mercenarism, at Trump's request and taking his health into account
- Hubbard was taken to Pulkovo Airport, from where he will depart for the United States
- Trump noted that Moscow did not demand a prisoner exchange
Decision on Release
Russian President Vladimir Putin released American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been convicted of mercenarism. As the press secretary of the Russian leader, Dmitry Peskov, reported, the decision was made at the request of US President Donald Trump and taking into account the convict's health condition. The release was announced on October 21.
Sentence and Circumstances of the Case
In October 2024, the Moscow City Court sentenced Stephen Hubbard to six years and ten months in a general-regime penal colony, finding him guilty of participating in the armed conflict in Ukraine as a mercenary. At the time the sentence was handed down, the American was 72 years old. He took part in hostilities on Ukraine's side.
Departure to the United States
The American has already been taken to St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport, from where he will depart for the United States.
Reaction in the United States
Donald Trump welcomed Putin's decision and noted that Moscow did not demand any prisoner exchange from Washington. Hubbard's son, an Orthodox priest Father Joseph, expressed gratitude to the presidents of Russia and the United States. In a letter, he thanked Trump for his efforts and Putin for the act of humanity shown.
Context
Earlier, media reported on plans for Putin and Witkoff to discuss a prisoner exchange.