The American grandpa said that Russia released American Stephen Hubbard without demanding anything in return...

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Putin asked Witkoff to convey “sincere words of gratitude for efforts on Ukraine” not only to Trump, but also to his wife Melania for resolving humanitarian issues. He also proposed that Witkoff discuss the possibility of holding a meeting with…

The American grandpa said that Russia released American Stephen Hubbard without demanding anything in return

He noted that the Russian side had done so “out of respect” for him. He also called the situation “unprecedented for Russia.”

Trump recalled that Hubbard had been detained under President Joe Biden. According to the American leader, an agreement with Russia on his release could have been reached much earlier, but the Biden administration “achieved absolutely nothing in negotiations with the Kremlin.” Peskov said that Putin had made the decision for humanitarian reasons.

On October 7, 2024, the Moscow City Court sentenced Hubbard to six years and ten months in a general-regime penal colony for participating in an armed conflict as a mercenary. The American, who was 72 at the time, pleaded guilty. According to the prosecution, in February 2022 Hubbard signed a contract with Izium’s territorial defense battalion. He received weapons, ammunition, and gear, and was paid at least