Russia frees American prisoner after more than 4 years behind bars during a US envoy visit

An American man who had been jailed for more than four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, was freed by Russia on Wednesday. The deal was completed during a visit by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and at a time when President Donald Trump has taken a series of actions meant to benefit Moscow. Trump said in a Truth Social post that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call last week to free Stephen Hubbard, and that, unlike previous releases, his had not required the U.S. to give up anyone in return. “Welcome home, Stephen, it’s great to have you back,” Trump said. Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old former tea (Source: Global News | Region: Kyiv, Ukraine)