Who is Stephen Hubbard: why was the American convicted in Russia and why was he released

Russia has released 74-year-old US citizen Stephen James Hubbard, who was sentenced to six years and ten months in prison in 2024 for participating in hostilities on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) as a mercenary. On October 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the release of the American during a meeting with special envoy of the US President Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg. What is known about Hubbard, his life in Ukraine, the criminal case and the circumstances of his detention is in the Izvestia material.

Who is Stephen Hubbard and what did he do before his arrest

Stephen James Hubbard is an American retired English teacher from Michigan. He grew up in Big Rapids, earned a master's degree in English, and served briefly in the United States Air Force and the National Guard.

Hubbard lived in Japan for about 25 years, where he taught English. He later moved to Cyprus, and in 2014 settled in the Ukrainian city of Izyum, Kharkiv region.

In Ukraine, the American lived with a local woman whom he met on the Internet. The couple subsequently broke up, but Hubbard remained in the country. According to his sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, the man received about $300 a month and practically did not communicate with local residents.

The last time his sister spoke to him was in September 2021. She learned about the fate of her relative after the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

Why was American Stephen Hubbard detained in Russia

In April 2022, Hubbard was detained by Russian military personnel in Izyum, Kharkiv region. According to investigators, the American had previously voluntarily joined the territorial defense battalion of the city and participated in combat operations against Russian troops.

In February 2022, Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian division, according to which he was to receive remuneration of at least $ 1,000 per month.

According to the investigation, after signing the contract, the American underwent military training, received firearms, ammunition and necessary equipment. Later, he participated in the armed conflict on the side of Ukraine.

According to the materials of the criminal case, his activities continued until April 2022. Russian military personnel detained Hubbard on April 2. At the time of his arrest, he was at one of the Ukrainian military checkpoints.

How did the trial of Stephen Hubbard take place and what sentence did he receive?

The criminal case against the American was filed in the Moscow City Court in September 2024. Hubbard was charged under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict or military operations").

On September 30 of the same year, the American pleaded guilty to participating in an armed conflict on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Some of the court sessions were held behind closed doors.

The state prosecution has requested seven years in prison for Hubbard. When determining the punishment, the prosecutor suggested that the defendant's advanced age and admission of guilt should be taken into account. On October 7, 2024, the Moscow City Court sentenced the American to six years and ten months in a penal colony.

In addition, the court decided to confiscate 142.3 thousand Ukrainian hryvnias (about 260 thousand rubles) seized from Hubbard for state revenue. During the term of serving his sentence, his time in custody was calculated at the rate of one day in a pre-trial detention facility for one and a half days in a general regime colony.

Why Stephen Hubbard was released from a Russian penal colony

The issue of Hubbard's release was discussed at the highest level between Russia and the United States. On October 20, 2026, American President Donald Trump announced that during a telephone conversation he had asked Putin to release the convicted American.

According to the head of the White House, the parties discussed the situation in detail. At the same time, the American media reported on the negotiations between Washington and Moscow on the issue of the return of US citizens in Russia.

During Putin's meeting with the special envoy of the American president, Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg on October 21, it became known about Hubbard's release.

Witkoff thanked the Russian leader on behalf of the US President and the American people. He also said that a few days ago he met with Hubbard's son, who serves as a priest.

Putin confirmed that the released American was already at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport. Witkoff announced his intention to meet with him before returning to the United States.