Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard, 74, as Trump envoy meets with Putin
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired American teacher detained since 2022, signaling warmer ties amid U.S. efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, bringing proposals for a possible peace deal, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders discussed new ideas in Oslo.
- President Trump has increased pressure on Kyiv to agree to a deal, criticizing U.S. support for Ukraine and seeking to highlight Hubbard's release as a diplomatic win.
- Despite talks, Putin maintains hardline demands, including control over Ukraine’s Donbas region, and insists any meeting with Zelenskyy must occur in Moscow after a deal is finalized—a condition Ukraine rejects.
- Meanwhile, deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, with civilian casualties and strikes on energy infrastructure escalating as winter approaches.
