Key Facts

• Stephen Hubbard, 74, is from Michigan and was held in a Russian prison for over four years.
• He was accused by Russia of fighting for Ukraine but was considered wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.
• Hubbard was released after a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• President Donald Trump confirmed Hubbard’s return to the U.S. and expects him to visit the White House soon.
• Hubbard landed in San Antonio for medical checks, which is standard for prisoners released from foreign detention.
• Hubbard was arrested in Ukraine after Russia’s full invasion in 2022 and was sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony.
• President Trump said Putin agreed to release Hubbard without a prisoner swap, linked to a pause on new U.S. sanctions against Russia.
• Despite the release, Russia launched missile strikes on Ukraine shortly after, showing ongoing conflict tensions.