From Dw · · 1m 40s
Russia Frees American Stephen Hubbard
Putin releases US captive Stephen Hubbard during talks with Witkoff.
In brief
Putin releases US captive Stephen Hubbard during talks with Witkoff. Russia freed Stephen Hubbard, a US citizen detained as a mercenary, after Trump requested his release directly from Putin. Originally reported by Dw.
Russia releases US captive
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of US captive Stephen Hubbard during talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on Wednesday.
Hubbard detained as mercenary
Hubbard had been taken captive by Russian forces on charges of being a mercenary, which he denies. He was sentenced to seven years in prison at a closed trial in 2024.
Trump requested release
US President Donald Trump later said he had made the request directly to Putin during a phone call last week.
Trump's release claim
The United States, out of respect for President Trump, was not required to give anything in return, an unprecedented situation for Russia, Trump claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Trump's apology claim
Trump also claimed that numerous people had called him to apologize after they criticized him for suspending a new round of sanctions, which he said was a necessary concession.
Peace deal discussions
Witkoff told Putin that they had brought some papers for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, which he said would be read at their leisure.
Kremlin rejects proposals
After the talks, the Kremlin said that Witkoff's proposals lacked substance and would not be of real use for a potential peace settlement.
Putin agrees to talks
Putin agreed in principle to resume peace talks with Russian, Ukrainian and American delegates after November 10.
The big picture
Russia freed Stephen Hubbard, a US citizen detained as a mercenary, after Trump requested his release directly from Putin.
