Stephen Hubbard is returning to the United States after Russia’s reported release
Trump announces Hubbard’s release
Trump said Russia had freed Stephen Hubbard and that he was returning to the United States. In a statement, Trump said Hubbard was taken by Russia four years ago.
Trump attributed the release to a request he made directly to Putin during a telephone conversation the previous week. He said Hubbard would soon be with his family.
No exchange reported
Trump said the United States did not have to give anything in return for Hubbard’s release. He described the outcome as a release without a prisoner swap. Trump also said the release should have happened earlier through the Biden administration’s negotiations with the Kremlin. The account provides no further details about those negotiations.
Airport location reported
It also says Witkoff expressed gratitude to the Russian leader for Hubbard’s liberation. Trump welcomed Hubbard’s return in his statement.
Key points
- Trump said Russia freed Stephen Hubbard and that he is returning to the United States.
- Trump said the release followed a direct request to Putin during a telephone conversation the previous week.
- Trump said no prisoner swap or other return was required.
- Putin reportedly placed Hubbard at Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg.