Released American Stephen Hubbard thanks Trump for intervention

Hubbard was detained in eastern Ukraine in 2022, after the full-scale Russian invasion, where he resided with his partner. He received a nearly seven-year sentence on charges of acting as a mercenary, a claim he consistently denied.

“I wouldn’t have lasted another year,” Hubbard told Trump during the Oval Office meeting.

Trump facilitated Hubbard’s release on October 21st, following a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This occurred shortly after Trump announced a waiver of US sanctions on Russian diesel, aimed at mitigating rising global costs.

Hubbard, who served in the Air Force and National Guard, described the initial period of his captivity as chaotic, recalling narrowly avoiding Ukrainian artillery fire while in Russian custody. He admitted to losing hope of freedom during his incarceration.

“I had heard it many times before, and I reached the state where seeing is believing,” he said. “I never trusted what they said. Only when they started giving me new clothes and leading me to the exit of the prison — I went out and I saw the car, and I was accompanied by a couple of Russians. Then I believed, finally believed, on the drive from Moscow to St. Petersburg, I’m really going somewhere.”

Hubbard’s son was present at the greeting and shared concerns that his father would not have returned from Russia. He noted that Hubbard is now focused on rebuilding his strength through increased protein intake.

“You look very healthy. I mean, you have no weight problem,” Trump observed. “It’s an honor to have you back. It’s a great honor.”