American Stephen Hubbard freed after more than four years in Russian prison, returns to US
Photo: APStephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan and a U.S. citizen, was freed from a Russian prison on Wednesday after more than four years, and flew back to the United States that night, President Trump said. His release was announced during a meeting between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hubbard was accused of fighting for Ukraine after Russia's 2022 invasion and was sentenced in 2024 in closed proceedings to nearly seven years. The U.S. government had deemed him wrongfully detained, and his legal team denied he took part in military activity. Trump said he asked Putin to free him, with no swap needed, but also said waiving new sanctions on Russia played a role. Hubbard was taken to San Antonio for evaluation, and Trump said he would visit the White House soon.
Right-leaning coverage (New York Post) leads with the sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, who described starvation, beatings and relief laughter, and notes Trump's request to Putin and the Biden-era designation. Alternative coverage (AP) carries the same sister-focused account. Left-leaning coverage (CBS News) leads with his son, Fr. Joseph Coleman, and Trump's remarks on sanctions.
How the sides differ Left sources emphasize the diplomatic announcement and Trump's account of the release; right sources stress the sister's account of abuse in prison; alternative sources carry the sister's story.
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CBS News leads with Hubbard's son, Fr. Joseph Coleman, on a worrying 2025 call and a brief call before departure, alongside Trump's remarks on the release and sanctions waiver.
AP leads with the sister's account that Hubbard did not know he was being freed until he saw the American flag aboard the plane, speaking from San Antonio.
The New York Post features sister Patricia Hubbard Fox's account of beatings and starvation, and adds Trump's request to Putin and the Biden administration's wrongful-detention designation.