World · October 22, 2026
Stephen Hubbard's son after his release from Russian prison: "I want to embrace him"
Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan, was released from Russian custody on Wednesday after being held for more than four years. His release, which reportedly followed a request from the Trump administration, has brought relief to his family members who described him as being in a state of disbelief. While his return offers hope to the families of other Americans detained in Russia, some families expressed frustration that their loved ones have not yet received the same 'wrongfully detained' designation that Hubbard was granted by the previous Biden administration.
Read the original coverage
- CBS NewsMBFC: Right-Center
Stephen Hubbard
Read at CBS News ↗ - Washington TimesMBFC: Right-Center
Sister of American Stephen Hubbard says he's in disbelief following release by Russia
Read at Washington Times ↗ - NewsNationMBFC: Right-Center
Stephen Hubbard release from Russia gives detainee families hope
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Reported across the spectrum
- Stephen Hubbard was released from Russian custody on Wednesday.
- He had been detained in Russia for more than four years.
- Hubbard is a retired teacher from Michigan.
- His family, including his son and sister, have had contact with him following his release.
Reported by only some outlets
- Hubbard was 74 years old at the time of his release.
- Russia had sentenced Hubbard to seven years in a penal colony on charges of aiding Ukraine.
- The Biden administration had officially designated Hubbard's status as 'wrongfully detained'.
- President Trump requested Hubbard's release.
- At least five other Americans remain incarcerated in Russia without a 'wrongfully detained' designation from the current administration.
Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
emphasize the emotional narrative of the family and the long-standing 'wrongful' nature of the detention
Right-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
highlight the Trump administration's role in the release while also noting criticisms from families of other detainees regarding current State Department policy
Where coverage diverges
Coverage diverges along left/right lines — see Framing tab for specifics.
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