Entertainment · October 21, 2026
Stephen Hubbard released by Russia after years in prison
Stephen James Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired American teacher from Michigan, was released from Russian custody in October 2026 after being detained for over four years. Hubbard was originally arrested in 2022 in the Ukrainian city of Izyum, where he had been living for several years. Russian authorities accused him of acting as a mercenary for Ukraine, charges that the U.S. State Department and his family condemned as fabricated. His release was announced following efforts by U.S. officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Read the original coverage
- CBS NewsMainstream
Stephen Hubbard released by Russia after years in prison
Read at CBS News ↗ - NBC NewsMainstream
Russia Frees American Stephen Hubbard After 4-Year Detention
Read at NBC News ↗ Who Is Stephen James Hubbard, the American Released From Russian Jail?
Read at The New York Times ↗- TMZTabloid
Retired American Teacher Stephen Hubbard Released By Russia
Read at TMZ ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Stephen Hubbard is an American citizen.
- He is a retired teacher.
- He was released from Russian custody in October 2026.
- He was held by Russia for over four years.
- His detention began in 2022.
Reported by only some outlets
- Hubbard is 74 years old.
- The U.S. State Department described the charges against him as fabricated.
- He was living in Izyum, Ukraine, at the time of his capture.
- President Trump and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff were involved in the announcement or process of his release.
- Hubbard is originally from Michigan.
Confirmed
- Stephen Hubbard was released from Russian jail in October 2026 after a multi-year detention.
- He was a retired teacher living in Ukraine before his arrest.
Reported
- Steve Witkoff and President Trump were involved in the announcement of the release. (CBS News)
- The State Department officially labeled the charges against Hubbard as fabricated. (The New York Times)
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