Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Nears Deal with Russia to Release Stephen Hubbard
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Negotiations to Free Detained Americans
U.S. officials say they are in the final stages of talks with Russia that could lead to the release of Stephen Hubbard, a retired teacher who has been designated by the State Department as wrongfully detained, along with several other American citizens held on what Washington describes as dubious charges.
Background & Context
Hubbard, a former Air Force and National Guard member who later taught English abroad, was captured by Russian forces after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian state media reported his detention in April 2022 and alleged he manned a Ukrainian checkpoint. After a closed trial, a Moscow court convicted him of mercenary activity in October 2024 and sentenced him to six years and ten months in prison. The United States designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained in January 2025, enabling diplomatic efforts for his release.
Data & Statistics
- Number of Americans in Russian custody: at least eight, according to U.S. officials.
- Hubbard’s age: reported as 72 in one source and 74 in others, creating a discrepancy.
- Sentence: six years and ten months (nearly seven years).
Official Statements & Responses
He also urged Ukraine to “want to settle this war.” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Hubbard’s name was “certainly familiar,” but he had “nothing to report” on the matter. The White House declined to comment on the negotiations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ukraine has to want to settle this war,” — Moscow. The Trump, witkoff and president
- “Russia is a big machine - they just keep grinding forward, and that's what they've done. They've taken a very large piece of land.” — Moscow. The Trump, witkoff and president
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age: ABC News lists Hubbard as 72, while Detroit News and The Strait Times describe him as 74.
- Sentence length: ABC notes a “nearly seven-year sentence,” whereas The Strait Times specifies six years and ten months.
- Details of capture: Russian media claim Hubbard was caught at a checkpoint in April 2022; his sister says she recognized him only in a YouTube video and disputes the circumstances. No independent verification of the capture has been provided.
- Exchange terms: Russian officials have not disclosed what, if anything, Moscow expects in return for releasing the detainees.
What’s Next
Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow in the week of October 20 to discuss Hubbard’s possible release with President Vladimir Putin. The scope of any potential agreement remains unsettled, and U.S. officials caution that the deal could change or fail to materialize.