Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American former teacher from Michigan, has been released from Russian custody after more than four years behind bars.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian officials in St. Petersburg.
Hubbard was reported to be at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg and on his way home, according to statements from Russian officials and the Trump administration.
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What happened to Stephen Hubbard
Stephen Hubbard was detained in April 2022 after Russian forces captured the Ukrainian city of Izium, where he had been living.
Russian authorities accused him of fighting for Ukraine as a mercenary, a charge Hubbard denied.
A Moscow court convicted him in October 2024 and imposed a sentence of six years and 10 months in a general-security prison.
The case was conducted largely behind closed doors, limiting the public record about the evidence and circumstances surrounding his detention.
The U.S. government later classified Hubbard as wrongfully detained, giving American officials a formal basis to pursue his release through diplomatic channels.
Trump asked Putin to free Hubbard
U.S. President Donald Trump said he raised Hubbard’s case with Putin during a telephone call the previous week.
Trump had publicly hinted on Tuesday, October 20, that a development could come within days, without providing details about a possible arrangement.
On Wednesday, Trump said Hubbard had been freed and was returning to the United States.
The administration said the release did not require the United States to surrender a Russian prisoner or make a comparable exchange.
Witkoff thanked Putin for the release during his meeting with the Russian president, where the two sides were also discussing broader efforts related to the war in Ukraine.
Why the release matters
Hubbard’s case has been closely watched because he was one of the few Americans convicted in Russia on allegations linked directly to the war in Ukraine.
His release also comes as Washington and Moscow attempt to keep diplomatic contacts open despite the continuing conflict and deep disagreements over Ukraine’s future.
Previous American releases from Russian custody have involved complex prisoner swaps or multilateral negotiations involving several countries.
The absence of a reported exchange makes Hubbard’s case different from several earlier high-profile releases, although the full terms of the decision have not been publicly disclosed.
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
| Age | 74 |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of detention | Russia |
| Original detention | April 2022 |
| Russian sentence | Six years and 10 months |
| Charge | Serving as a mercenary for Ukraine, according to Russian authorities |
What happens next
Hubbard will need to complete the practical steps involved in leaving Russia and returning to the United States.
Officials have not publicly provided a detailed account of his physical condition, the location of his first stop in the United States or whether he has already reunited with relatives.
The release is also likely to intensify attention on other American citizens who remain detained in Russia.
For Washington, the case may provide a limited opening for further negotiations, although there is no indication that the release resolves the wider disputes between the two governments.
For Hubbard and his family, the immediate development is that a prolonged detention has ended and his return home is under way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stephen Hubbard?
Stephen Hubbard is a 74-year-old American former teacher from Michigan who had been living in Ukraine before Russian forces detained him in 2022.
Why was Stephen Hubbard imprisoned in Russia?
Russian authorities accused Hubbard of fighting for Ukraine as a mercenary. A Moscow court sentenced him to six years and 10 months in October 2024.
When was Stephen Hubbard released?
Russia announced Hubbard’s release on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Did the United States exchange a prisoner for Hubbard?
The Trump administration said the release did not require the United States to give up another prisoner, although the full terms were not publicly disclosed.
Where was Hubbard released?
Hubbard was reported to be at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg and preparing to return to the United States.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against official U.S. government information on wrongful detention and current public statements from U.S. and Russian officials.
Disclaimer: Details about Hubbard’s travel arrangements, condition and the terms of his release may change as authorities provide further updates.