American prisoner released by Russia

Stephen Hubbard, a seventy four year old American citizen, has been freed by Russia after being jailed for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine. He was taken to Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg.

Hubbard's sentence and capture

Hubbard was sentenced to almost seven years in a penal colony in twenty twenty four.

Trump says no swap was needed

President Donald Trump said Hubbard was on his way back home and there was no swap necessary. Trump said he made the request directly to Putin last week.

“there was no 'swap' necessary”

Witkoff praises Putin as humanitarian

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff told Putin during their St Petersburg meeting: you are a humanitarian also sir, and I salute that. I commend you. His comments sparked backlash from Republican lawmakers.

“you are a humanitarian also sir, and I salute that. I commend you.”

Republicans criticise Witkoff's remarks

Representative Don Bacon called the praise another embarrassment. Senator John Cornyn said Putin is a stone cold killer. Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff, saying his job was to get the hostage home.

Trump suspended sanctions before release

Trump suspended sanctions on Russia two days before they were due to come into force.He wrote that if sanctions had been placed, negotiations for Hubbard's release would have come to a complete and total halt.

“if sanctions would have been placed, negotiations for Hubbard's release would have come to a complete and total halt”

Hubbard's family responds to release

Hubbard's son Joseph Coleman, an Orthodox priest, said he had prayed for many years for his father's release. He said he receives his freedom not as a political victory, but as a gift of mercy.

“I receive his freedom not as a political victory, but as a gift of mercy”

Diesel deal also discussed in talks

During the St Petersburg meeting, Witkoff thanked Putin for a diesel import deal struck with Washington.Putin said the first shipment will leave Russia in two to three days.