American Stephen Hubbard returns home after more than four years detained in Russia
American Stephen Hubbard has returned to the United States after spending more than four years detained in Russia, where he was convicted of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine.
(NBC)- American Stephen Hubbard has returned to the United States after spending more than four years detained in Russia, where he was convicted of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine.
The 74-year-old retired teacher arrived on U.S. soil overnight following his release from what the U.S. government considered wrongful detention. Hubbard had been living in eastern Ukraine for years before Russian authorities detained him in 2022, approximately two months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. A Russian court later convicted Hubbard of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine, an allegation his family strongly denies.
“There’s no evidence to that effect,” said Hubbard’s son, Joseph Coleman, an Orthodox priest. “I think my father was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
President Donald Trump credited his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin for securing Hubbard’s release.
“I called up Vladimir Putin, and I said, ‘You got to do me a favor. You got to give me back Stephen Hubbard,'” Trump said Wednesday while campaigning in South Carolina.
News of Hubbard’s release came as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin on Wednesday to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Witkoff faced criticism after praising Putin during the meeting.
“You talk so much about my President, President Trump being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir,” Witkoff told the Russian leader.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis criticized the remarks, calling them embarrassing and outrageous. Tillis also posted a definition of the word “humanitarian” on social media.
Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff’s approach.
“His job is to go over there and get a job done,” Vance said Wednesday.
Trump also defended his decision to waive new sanctions against Russia, suggesting the move helped secure Hubbard’s release.
“If I would’ve done that, you would not have Mr. Hubbard coming back,” Trump said.
The administration continues to face criticism from lawmakers in both parties over its approach to Russia and Ukraine. Trump has also faced bipartisan opposition to a diesel fuel agreement with Russia intended to help address rising energy prices.
The agreement became an issue during Wednesday night’s Kansas Senate debate, highlighting how the administration’s foreign policy decisions are influencing competitive midterm races, including those in traditionally Republican states.
