Putin orders release of jailed American as he meets Trump envoy for Ukraine talks

Vladimir Putin released American Stephen Hubbard from prison during talks with Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St Petersburg. Hubbard had been jailed for over four years on charges related to fighting for Ukraine. Trump's request for Hubbard's release was seen as a strategic move to align Trump with Putin's stance on Ukraine, providing a diplomatic win ahead of the midterms. Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian and discussed potential peace proposals. Despite this, tensions between Washington and Kyiv have escalated, particularly after Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel. While there are talks of closer economic ties post-war, significant breakthroughs remain elusive, with Russia maintaining its aggressive military objectives.