The key facts
- Trump said Hubbard was released at his direct request to Putin during a phone call last week
- According to Trump, Moscow did not demand a prisoner exchange
- On October 21, Putin announced Hubbard's release; the American was taken to Pulkovo airport and will travel to the US
Trump announced Hubbard's release
US President Donald Trump welcomed the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to release American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who was convicted of mercenary activity. Trump posted his comment on the social network Truth Social. According to him, Hubbard was released 'at my request, which I directly made to Vladimir Putin during a phone call last week,' and is already returning home to his family.
Claim that no exchange took place
Trump pointed out that Moscow did not demand any prisoner exchange from Washington. He called such a situation unprecedented for Russia and expressed confidence that the Russian side, out of respect for him, did not demand the release of any of its citizens. Trump also stated that the administration of his predecessor Joe Biden should have secured Hubbard's return but failed to do so. 'Welcome home, Stephen, glad to have you back with us,' the American leader added.
Putin's announcement and return to the US
On October 21, Putin announced the release of Hubbard, who had taken part in combat operations on Ukraine's side. According to Gazeta.Ru, the American has already been taken to St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport, from where he will travel to the US. Earlier, journalists reported Putin's intention to discuss a prisoner exchange with Trump's special envoy.
