US nearing a Russia deal to free multiple jailed Americans, sources say
Reported by ABC News · October 20, 2026
Talks focus on detained Americans
The discussions with Moscow have centered on Stephen Hubbard, a retired teacher who is 72. The State Department has officially designated him as the only American held in Russia who is wrongfully detained.
The talks also concern several other U.S. citizens detained in Russia. The administration believes the charges against them are dubious, according to the sources.
Terms remain uncertain
The arrangement’s terms are coming into focus, officials said. But nothing has been finalized. Officials cautioned that the deal may not materialize, and its scope could change.
Trump and Ryabkov comment
On Monday, Trump said he was trying to secure the release of a hostage the country had sought for a long time. The report said he was presumably referring to Hubbard.
Key points
- The Trump administration is nearing an arrangement with Moscow to release multiple Americans detained in Russia.
- Talks include Stephen Hubbard, 72, the only American in Russia officially designated wrongfully detained by the State Department.
- The administration considers charges against several other detained U.S. citizens dubious.
- Officials say the arrangement is not final and could fall through or change in scope.