US. President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia released an American citizen held in detention without requiring any concession from Washington, describing the development as an unusual outcome in dealings between the two countries.
The prisoner, Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan, was released on Wednesday following an announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Hubbard had been sentenced in 2024 to six years and 10 months in prison over allegations that he fought alongside Ukrainian forces in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Putin said the American had been taken to an airport in St Petersburg following his release.
Trump disclosed that he had personally raised Hubbard’s case with Putin during a telephone conversation the previous week. In a statement posted on Truth Social, the U.S. president maintained that Moscow did not demand a prisoner exchange or any other concession before agreeing to free the retired teacher.
According to Trump, the decision was made out of respect for him, making the release an exceptional development in relations with Russia. He stressed that no formal swap was necessary to secure Hubbard’s freedom.
The announcement came amid renewed diplomatic efforts to find a way to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Witkoff said discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Norway on Tuesday had been constructive, adding that a foundation was emerging for progress towards a ceasefire.
However, the diplomatic engagement has also drawn attention to Washington’s dealings with Moscow beyond the prisoner release.
During his meeting with Putin, Witkoff expressed gratitude for Russia’s provision of diesel to the United States under an agreement reached with Trump. He said the supply was important for American farmers and truckers affected by a diesel shortage.
The arrangement has reportedly attracted criticism from Ukraine and its allies, highlighting the tensions surrounding Washington’s engagement with Moscow while the war continues.
Hubbard’s release therefore represents a notable development in U.S.-Russia relations, even as uncertainty remains over whether the latest diplomatic contacts will translate into a lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
