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World · October 23, 2026

Sister of American held in Russia says he didn’t know he was being released until he saw US flag

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Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen and former teacher from Michigan, was released on Wednesday after being held in a Russian prison for over four years. Hubbard's sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, stated that her brother was unaware of his release during transport from prison to Moscow and only realized he was being freed upon seeing an American flag on his transport plane. Hubbard had been sentenced to nearly seven years in 2024 on charges of fighting for Ukraine, an allegation both his legal team and the U.S. government—which designated him as wrongfully detained—dispute. President Donald Trump claimed credit for the release, citing a recent phone call with Vladimir Putin. Hubbard is currently in San Antonio for medical evaluation following reports from his family of starvation and physical abuse during his detention.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • Stephen Hubbard was released from Russian prison on Wednesday.
  • Hubbard did not realize he was being released until he saw the American flag on the plane.
  • He is a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan.
  • Hubbard had been held in Russia for more than four years.
  • He was sentenced to nearly seven years in 2024 for allegedly fighting with Ukrainian forces.
  • The U.S. government designated Hubbard as wrongfully detained.
  • President Donald Trump stated he asked Vladimir Putin to free Hubbard during a recent phone call.
  • Hubbard was taken to San Antonio for evaluation upon his return.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Russian guards allegedly told Hubbard 'Die, American. Die.'
  • Hubbard was beaten so severely that fellow inmates had to carry him.

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