Key facts
- Stephen Hubbard, 74, was freed from Russian custody on October 21.
- Hubbard was jailed for alleged mercenary activity and fighting for Ukraine.
- Washington designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained.
- US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin on the day of the release.
Russia released U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard, 74, on October 21, following a visit by Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Russian state media and President Donald Trump. Hubbard had been jailed since 2022 for allegedly serving in the Ukrainian military and fighting as a mercenary. The U.S. State Department had designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained. President Vladimir Putin announced Hubbard's release during his meeting with Witkoff, stating the American had already been taken to the airport. Trump said the United States was not required to give anything in return for Hubbard's freedom.