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News about USA: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.

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Putin Releases American Stephen Hubbard, Convicted of Mercenarism, at Trump's Request

Vladimir Putin released 72-year-old American Stephen Hubbard, who was sentenced in 2024 to six years and ten months in a penal colony for participating in hostilities on Ukraine's side as a mercenary. The decision was made at the request of Donald Trump and taking into account the convict's health condition. Hubbard was taken to Pulkovo for transfer to the United States.

1 min read

In Texas, Latino Voters Who Backed Trump May Shift Preferences Ahead of the Midterms

Polls show that support for Trump among Texas Latino voters has declined since 2024: a majority now disapprove of the president and lean toward Democrats. The reasons include ICE deportations, the economy, and rising prices. In the redrawn 15th District, Democrat Bobby Pulido leads the Republican, even though Republicans hold a nominal 18-point advantage. The midterms take place on November 3.

3 min read

Putin met with Witkoff at the Constantine Palace: talks attended by Ushakov and Dmitriev

On October 21, talks between Vladimir Putin and US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff began at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg. The meeting is attended by presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev. Witkoff arrived from Oslo, where he consulted with Zelensky and European representatives. Jared Kushner did not come due to illness.

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US Commerce Department to Award Up to $389 Million for Power Semiconductor Development Under CHIPS Act

The US Department of Commerce announced its intention to provide up to $389 million to four companies for research and development of power semiconductors and critical materials. The funds under the CHIPS and Science Act will go to Helion, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Vertical Semiconductor, and Sibelgo — for technologies in fusion energy, data centers, and ultra-high-purity quartz.

2 min read

Peskov called Witkoff's visit to Russia shuttle diplomacy

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff is using a shuttle diplomacy format for negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement. After consultations in Oslo, Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg for a meeting with Vladimir Putin. Further contacts between Moscow and the American mediator have not yet been agreed.

2 min read

US Provides Funding for the KONA Unmanned Aircraft Project

Funding was provided under the Operational Energy – Innovation program. The funds are aimed at moving the project closer to flight testing of a full-scale aircraft and demonstrating its capabilities in military logistics. KONA is seen as a means of delivering cargo between remote military facilities, including conditions with limited refueling.

2 min read

Putin told Witkoff that Russia is ready to help resolve the crisis around Iran

At a meeting in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin told US special envoy Steve Witkoff that Russia is ready to join efforts to resolve the crisis around Iran if its help is needed. The talks began with a discussion of the Ukrainian settlement and the outcome of US consultations with Kyiv and the Europeans in Norway. Witkoff thanked Putin for the release of American Stephen Hubbard.

2 min read

Putin in St. Petersburg met with US envoy Witkoff and asked about the outcome of the talks in Norway

On October 21, at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin held talks with Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. The President proposed discussing the outcome of the US meeting with Ukraine and European countries in Norway. Witkoff arrived from Oslo, where he met with Zelensky, Støre and Stubb. On the Russian side, Dmitriev and Oreshkin are taking part; Jared Kushner did not come due to illness.

2 min read

Son of freed American Hubbard thanked Putin and Trump

The son of American Stephen Hubbard, freed in Russia — Orthodox priest Father Joseph — thanked the presidents of Russia and the US in a letter. On October 21, Vladimir Putin announced Hubbard's release; Hubbard had been convicted of mercenarism. The American was taken to St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport for departure to the US. Donald Trump called Moscow's decision unprecedented, noting that Russia did not demand a prisoner exchange.

1 min read