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Posted on 10/21/2026 2:50:37 AM PDT by McGruff
American Stephen Hubbard was released by Russia on Wednesday, state news agencies reported, the latest sign of warmer ties with the Kremlin as Washington pressures Kyiv to agree to a deal that ends Moscow’s war.
The news of Hubbard’s release followed talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin early Wednesday. Putin said that Hubbard, 74, was at the Pulkovo Airport near St. Petersburg, the TASS state news agency reported. There was no immediate confirmation from the United States.
Trump said Tuesday that he had raised with Putin the idea of releasing Hubbard, who was being held in Russia on charges he denies of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
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A 74 year-old mercenary?
A 74 year old school teacher that is not a war vet. Yes he did serve in the USAF, but there is nothing in particular that qualifies him as a mercenary. His background just does not fit the description of a merc.
When I am 74 years old I hope that I am healthy enough to fight as a mercenary.
Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired American teacher, was charged by Russian authorities with acting as a mercenary in the war in Ukraine.
Reuters
+1
Russian prosecutors alleged that Hubbard had signed a contract to fight for a Ukrainian territorial defense unit in Izyum, Ukraine, in exchange for payment. Russian forces detained him in April 2022, and in October 2024, a Russian court convicted him and sentenced him to six years and 10 months in prison.
Reuters
+1
His family disputed the allegations, and his U.S.-based lawyer said Hubbard denied participating in combat or belonging to a military unit. The U.S. government designated him as wrongfully detained in January 2025. Russia released him on October 21, 2026, according to Reuters.
Reuters
+1
So Russia is holding a US citizen but release him if the US puts pressure on their adversary to surrender. And the US capitulates.
Ok then.
So, when you gonna live up to your handle and have one of them MomentsofSanity?
I suppose there are ways of being a mercenary without actually participating in combat.
It’s kind of pathetic how many people here have nothing of value to add but insults and pointing out join dates. This site used to be about opinions and ideas, not endless ad hominem attacks.
Grow up, child.
So you admit to being a retread? Most likely zotted in the past who has returned to share your opinion as “moments of sanity”. 🙄
Welcome to FR.
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