After release from Russian jail, Stephen Hubbard heads to White House for meeting with Trump today
A meeting in Washington
Trump plans to meet Hubbard at the White House on Friday, sources familiar with the meeting told CBS News. Hubbard came back to the United States last week after being released from prison in Russia.
Hubbard, 74, is a retired teacher. He had spent more than four years in custody after Russian authorities accused him of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine.
Release followed talks
The announcement of Hubbard’s release came during a meeting in St. Petersburg between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The article does not provide further details about the discussions.
Trump rejected the idea that Hubbard’s return resulted from a swap. He also connected his decision not to impose congressional sanctions on Russia during negotiations with efforts to secure Hubbard’s release.
Sanctions remain unissued
Speaking to reporters last week, Trump said imposing sanctions during negotiations could have prevented Hubbard from returning. He described the talks as an effort to bring back a long-term hostage.
Trump has not reinstated the sanctions since Hubbard’s release. The story was published on October 30, 2026, and was identified as developing.
Key points
- Trump is expected to meet Stephen Hubbard at the White House Friday.
- Hubbard, a retired teacher, returned to the United States last week after over four years in Russian custody.
- His release was announced during talks between Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.
- Trump said there was no swap and has not reimposed the congressional sanctions on Russia.