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Trump Gets Hubbard Released After Putin Agrees to Talks

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 3:27 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump waives sanctions

Russia released American Stephen Hubbard after President Donald Trump appealed to President Vladimir Putin.
President Vladimir Putin agreed in principle to resume U.S.-Russia-Ukraine trilateral talks after Nov. 10.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met President Vladimir Putin at St. Petersburg’s Constantine Palace to discuss peace proposals.
President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia and permitted diesel imports, drawing criticism from U.S. lawmakers.

Summary

Witkoff Praises Putin

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff praised Vladimir Putin as “humanitarian,” prompting Republican lawmakers to call the remarks an embarrassment.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-S.C.) wrote “WTF, Steve?” on X and demanded Witkoff speak with Ukrainian families.
Sen. John Curtis (R-UT.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-T.X.) denounced Witkoff’s comments, linking them to weakened U.S. sanctions stance.
Vice President JD Vance defended Witkoff, saying diplomatic niceties are necessary to secure American hostages.

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Trump waives sanctions

Russia released American Stephen Hubbard after President Donald Trump appealed to President Vladimir Putin.
President Vladimir Putin agreed in principle to resume U.S.-Russia-Ukraine trilateral talks after Nov. 10.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met President Vladimir Putin at St. Petersburg’s Constantine Palace to discuss peace proposals.
President Donald Trump waived sanctions on Russia and permitted diesel imports, drawing criticism from U.S. lawmakers.

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