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Trump Links Hubbard Release to Easing Russia Sanctions

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

U.S. President Donald Trump met Stephen Hubbard, from Russia, at the White House.
Trump called Hubbard a “special man” who “suffered greatly” in the Oval Office.
Hubbard spent years in detention after Moscow accused him of being a mercenary for Ukraine.
Trump said no “swap” and linked Hubbard’s release to exempting Russia from U.S. sanctions.
His release was announced in St. Petersburg with envoy Steve Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin.

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U.S. President Donald Trump met Stephen Hubbard, from Russia, at the White House.
Trump called Hubbard a “special man” who “suffered greatly” in the Oval Office.
Hubbard spent years in detention after Moscow accused him of being a mercenary for Ukraine.
Trump said no “swap” and linked Hubbard’s release to exempting Russia from U.S. sanctions.
His release was announced in St. Petersburg with envoy Steve Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin.