Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, announced on Wednesday during negotiations with Steve Vitkoff, the U.S. special representative, the release of Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen. Hubbard was arrested by Russian forces on charges of mercenary activity, which he has denied. He had been sentenced to seven years in prison in a closed trial in 2024.
Details of Hubbard's Release
Putin announced that Hubbard is at the airport, and Vitkoff also stated that he is now "returning to his home and family." This release is considered a goodwill gesture in the ongoing negotiations between the two countries. Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, stated that he directly raised the request for Hubbard's release in a phone call with Putin. Trump said in a post on his social media: "The United States, respecting President Trump, did not need to offer anything in return, which is an unprecedented situation for Russia."
Political and Diplomatic Implications
Hubbard's release is interpreted as a diplomatic action and a sign of Russia's willingness for peace talks in Ukraine. In this context, Vitkoff announced that he has some documents and ideas for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Putin also suggested that Vitkoff discuss the rebuilding of bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow and the possibility of trilateral negotiations with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
This meeting is the ninth round of negotiations between Vitkoff and Putin and took place a day after Vitkoff's meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, in Norway. Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, described this meeting as "positive" and stated that Vitkoff is going to St. Petersburg with new ideas to share with the Russian side.
Zelensky also met with members of the Norwegian Parliament on Wednesday, and subsequently, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that Vitkoff will return to Oslo after his trip to St. Petersburg for further consultations. Støre said: "It seems we have entered a phase where the Russians are also looking for diplomatic opportunities."
However, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated that Moscow is ready to listen to others' opinions but does not expect any "miracles." Trump also emphasized on Tuesday that he wants Zelensky to achieve a "deal."
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