Russia releases American teacher imprisoned on Ukraine mercenary charges after Trump pressed Putin

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss ending the war in Europe and other matters. During their meeting, Putin announced the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who had been wrongfully detained since 2022 on charges he denies. Hubbard was at Pulkovo Airport waiting to fly back to the US with Witkoff. The envoy thanked Putin for this goodwill gesture. Hubbard is a retired schoolteacher from Michigan and is expected to receive medical treatment in Texas upon his return. The release follows the earlier return of American Robert Gilman, who had been freed due to health concerns. This development comes amid ongoing talks between the US and Russia on the Ukraine conflict. Witkoff also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from Norway and Finland before traveling to Russia. Earlier in the day, Ukraine's anti-corruption police conducted searches at the National Bank of Ukraine premises. Putin’s decision was praised by Trump but criticized by some members of Congress. The case drew international attention due to Hubbard being the last American formally declared wrongfully detained by the State Department, with up to 10 other Americans still in Russian custody. Reuters could not independently confirm details of his capture and detention. Despite these positive developments, there are concerns about disruptions to intelligence sharing and military satellite system use between Ukraine and its allies following recent tensions. Zelensky met with Witkoff in Oslo on Tuesday to address these issues and reach an agreement for resolution. The release of Hubbard is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough amid ongoing negotiations over the war in Europe. Tucker Reals, Jennifer Jacobs, and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting from CBSNews.com. NBC News also provided additional details about the meeting's video footage showing Witkoff thanking Putin for releasing Hubbard. CNN reported that President Trump had hinted at a possible breakthrough regarding Hubbard’s case during a previous press conference. The State Department has declared Hubbard wrongfully detained since 2024, and his release is considered significant in easing tensions between the US and Russia amid ongoing conflicts over Ukraine. Stephen Hubbard's sister Patricia Hubbard Fox provided insights into her brother’s life, noting he lived on a pension of about $300 per month before moving to Izyum in eastern Ukraine with a Ukrainian partner in 2014. His capture occurred after Russia launched its full-scale war in February 2022 and took control of Izyum two months later. Hubbard denies the charges against him, which include alleged involvement in fighting for Ukraine despite his limited connections to local people, according to military records cited by The New York Times. Tucker Reals, Jennifer Jacobs, and Olivia Gazis from CBSNews.com contributed reporting on these developments. Overall, the release of Stephen Hubbard marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations between Russia and the US, with hopes that it may pave the way for further progress in resolving the ongoing conflict over Ukraine. Tucker Reals, Jennifer Jacobs, and Olivia Gazis provided additional details about the meeting's video footage showing Witkoff thanking Putin for releasing Hubbard. CNN also reported on Trump’s previous hints of a possible breakthrough regarding Hubbard’s case during a press conference. The State Department declared Hubbard wrongfully detained since 2024, marking his release as crucial in easing tensions between Russia and the US amid ongoing conflicts over Ukraine. Stephen Hubbard's sister Patricia Hubbard Fox offered insights into her brother’s life, noting he lived on a pension of about $300 per month before moving to Izyum in eastern Ukraine with a Ukrainian partner in 2014. His capture occurred after Russia launched its full-scale war in February 2022 and took control of Izyum two months later. Hubbard denies the charges against him, which include alleged involvement in fighting for Ukraine despite his limited connections to local people, according to military records cited by The New York Times. Tucker Reals, Jennifer Jacobs, and Olivia Gazis from CBSNews.com contributed reporting on these developments, highlighting the diplomatic significance of Stephen Hubbard's release.