Key facts
- Hubbard believed his release only when he was given new clothes and saw a car waiting.
- He was detained for over four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.
- Hubbard's legal team denies the Russian accusations.
- President Trump stated he asked Russian leader Vladimir Putin to free Hubbard.
Retired Michigan teacher Stephen Hubbard, 74, said he only believed he would be freed from Russian prison when he was given new clothes and led to the exit. Hubbard, who was released on October 21 after more than four years of detention, spoke Friday at the White House. He was accompanied by Russian officials during his release and saw a car waiting for him before believing he was truly going somewhere.
Hubbard had been imprisoned on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022. His legal team has denied these accusations, stating he was not involved in any military activity. President Trump mentioned he had requested Russian leader Vladimir Putin to free Hubbard, indicating no reciprocal release was required from the US.
Many in the international community viewed Hubbard's release as a strategic move by Russia to draw Trump closer to Putin's stance on the Ukraine war, potentially offering Trump a diplomatic advantage before the US midterm elections on November 3.