The Guardian
Putin orders US prisoner’s release during Ukraine talks with Trump envoy
Vladimir Putin ordered Stephen Hubbard freed while meeting Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg to discuss ending the Ukraine war. Trump had earlier requested Hubbard’s release. The 74-year-old former teacher had been held in Russian prisons for over four years on charges that he fought as a mercenary for Ukraine.
Source published: Brief prepared:
What to know
- 01
Russia unilaterally freed Stephen Hubbard following Donald Trump’s request.
- 02
Steve Witkoff portrayed Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian.
Why it matters
The release coincided with talks on ending the Ukraine war, amid the closer Moscow–Washington relations described in the report.
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