Trump Secures Release of American Imprisoned in Russia

President Donald Trump has secured the release of an American citizen who spent more than four years in Russian custody, following a personal appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Stephen James Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired English teacher from Michigan, was released Wednesday after Trump reportedly raised his case directly with Putin during a telephone conversation last week. Hubbard had been imprisoned since 2022 on charges that American officials and his family strongly disputed.

The release came during a diplomatic meeting in St. Petersburg between Putin and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who traveled to Russia for discussions concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian officials described the decision as a humanitarian gesture, citing Hubbard’s age, deteriorating health, and Trump’s personal involvement.

Hubbard, originally from Big Rapids, Michigan, had been living in Izyum, Ukraine, since 2014. Before settling there, he spent years working as an English teacher in Japan and Cyprus.

Russian forces detained Hubbard in April 2022, shortly after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Authorities accused him of joining Ukrainian military operations as a mercenary.

Prosecutors alleged that Hubbard had signed a military contract, received weapons training, and participated in combat activities. A Russian court convicted him during closed proceedings in October 2024, sentencing him to six years and ten months.

His relatives consistently rejected those accusations, maintaining that Hubbard was a civilian with no military involvement. Family members said Russian personnel had taken him from his residence.

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The U.S. State Department officially classified Hubbard as wrongfully detained in January 2025, recognizing serious concerns surrounding his imprisonment and prosecution.

Concerns about Hubbard’s physical condition intensified during his detention, with relatives expressing fears that his health was worsening while he remained in Russian custody.

According to Russian officials, Putin personally informed Witkoff of the decision to release Hubbard. The American was subsequently transported to Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg to begin his journey home.

Witkoff thanked Putin for the humanitarian decision and briefly met with Hubbard before his departure. The former prisoner reportedly expressed gratitude toward those responsible for negotiating his freedom.

Hubbard’s attorney, Martin De Luca, said his client was extremely happy about the development, although his physical condition remained fragile following years of imprisonment.

Trump celebrated the announcement on Truth Social, writing:

“Stephen Hubbard, taken four years ago by Russia during the Biden Administration, was just released from prison, at the request of President Donald J. Trump, made directly to President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation last week. Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family.”

The president emphasized that the United States had not been required to release another prisoner or provide concessions in exchange for Hubbard’s freedom.

“The United States, out of respect for President Trump, was not required to give anything in return – an unprecedented situation for Russia. There was no ‘swap’ necessary for this release. This major return should have taken place long ago through the Biden Administration, which got nowhere in its negotiations with the Kremlin,” Trump added.

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Trump also welcomed Hubbard’s return, stating, “Welcome home Stephen, it’s great to have you back.”

The president suggested that his administration’s decision to delay additional sanctions against Russia helped preserve the diplomatic discussions. He argued that imposing new penalties could have disrupted negotiations surrounding Hubbard’s release.

Hubbard’s son, Joseph Coleman, expressed the family’s appreciation for the efforts of both Trump and Putin. Although other Americans reportedly remain detained in Russia, Hubbard was the last American prisoner in the country formally designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department at the time of his release.