Efforts to Free American Teacher Held in Russia

The U.S. is actively pursuing the release of Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher held in Russia for four years. President Donald Trump confirmed Hubbard’s identity on Tuesday, marking a step forward in this diplomatic effort. Hubbard, 74, originally from Michigan, was in eastern Ukraine in 2022 when Russian forces overran the area and detained him. He is the only American currently classified as wrongfully detained by the State Department.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in St. Petersburg. Previously, Trump had mentioned efforts to free an American from Russia but had not revealed the person’s identity until now.

During an Oval Office discussion, Trump refrained from providing detailed comments about Hubbard. He acknowledged ongoing efforts, stating, “Everybody’s been after Hubbard for a long time, long before I got here. I’ve been in lengthy talks with President Putin, requesting Hubbard’s release. We’ll see what happens. I’d love to get him back.”

Hubbard was sentenced by a Russian court in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison. Accusations against him included fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, a charge his family contests due to his longstanding pacifist beliefs. This effort to secure Hubbard’s freedom comes amid Trump pressuring Ukraine’s President Zelensky to negotiate with Putin, a move Ukrainians see as a potential concession.