Russia Releases American Stephen Hubbard After More Than Four Years in Prison
Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, an American imprisoned for over four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. The release occurred in St. Petersburg during a visit by a top U.S. envoy.
Wilmington, NC, October 21, 2026 —
Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, an American who had been imprisoned for more than four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. The release took place in St. Petersburg during a visit by a top U.S. envoy.
The information provided does not identify the envoy or specify when the release occurred. It also does not give details about the circumstances of Hubbard’s release, his imprisonment, or what happened to him afterward.
Hubbard had been held on charges related to fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. The available information does not say whether he was convicted, describe the evidence or legal proceedings, or provide a response from Hubbard or Russian officials. It does not state whether the release was part of an agreement or whether the envoy’s visit was connected to the decision.
The account identifies Hubbard as American and says he had been imprisoned for over four years, but does not provide his age, hometown, or the date he was detained. Further details about the release and any next steps were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wwaytv3.com, see more information here.
