Russia frees detained American Stephen Hubbard during US envoy's visit

Approximately 24 Americans remain imprisoned in Russia, as reported by the Foley Foundation. Recently, retired teacher Stephen Hubbard was released after being accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. His release followed a conversation between President Trump and President Putin, with no exchange of prisoners required this time. Hubbard had been imprisoned since 2022 and sentenced to nearly seven years after a closed trial. The Biden administration deemed him wrongfully detained. His release marks the second for an American in two months, following Robert Gilman's release. Hubbard's sister highlighted the harsh conditions he faced while imprisoned.