Russia releases US prisoner Stephen Hubbard during Witkoff visit

Stephen Hubbard, a U.S. political prisoner, was released by Russia on October 21 following a visit from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Hubbard, 74, had been sentenced for allegedly serving in the Ukrainian military. His release was announced by Vladimir Putin during his meeting with Witkoff. Hubbard had lived in Ukraine since 2014 and was captured by Russia after joining a territorial defense unit. His family questions the validity of his confession, while the U.S. State Department considers him wrongfully detained. Witkoff's visit aimed to initiate peace talks, but Putin has avoided commitments to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky.