The key facts
- On October 21, Putin announced the release of American Stephen Hubbard, convicted of mercenarism
- Hubbard's son, priest Father Joseph, thanked Putin and Trump in a letter
- Trump said Moscow did not demand a prisoner exchange, calling it unprecedented
Son of freed American thanked the presidents of Russia and the US
The son of American Stephen Hubbard, freed in Russia — Orthodox priest Father Joseph — thanked the presidents of Russia and the US, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing a letter. 'I am grateful to President Trump and his administration for the efforts made on behalf of my father, and to President Putin for the act of humanity shown,' the letter says.
Putin announced Hubbard's release
On October 21, Vladimir Putin announced the release of Stephen Hubbard, who had taken part in hostilities on Ukraine's side and was convicted of mercenarism. The American has already been taken to St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport, from where he will depart for the US.
Trump called Moscow's decision unprecedented
Donald Trump welcomed his Russian counterpart's decision to release Hubbard. He noted that Moscow did not demand any prisoner exchange from Washington and called the situation unprecedented for Russia. Trump expressed confidence that the Russian side, out of respect for him, chose not to demand the release of any of its citizens.
Background
Earlier, journalists reported Putin's intention to discuss a prisoner exchange with Trump's special envoy.
