NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)October 30, 2026San Francisco County
President Donald Trump hosts recently freed American prisoner Stephen Hubbard in the Oval Office
Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)
President Donald Trump hosted recently freed American Stephen Hubbard in the Oval Office following his release from a Russian prison after more than four years of detention. Hubbard, a retired teacher from Michigan, had faced accusations of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, which his legal team denied.
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)Why It Matters
A U.S. citizen previously imprisoned in Russia for over four years returned to the United States following diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Russian leadership without a prisoner swap.
Key Facts
- President Donald Trump hosted Stephen Hubbard in the Oval Office a little over a week after Hubbard's release from a Russian prison.
- Hubbard, a retired teacher from Michigan, spent more than four years behind bars in Russia.
- Hubbard was originally charged with fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, allegations denied by his legal team.
- Trump stated that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to free Hubbard and that the U.S. released no prisoners in return.
- The White House permitted a limited pool of journalists, primarily news photographers and a television crew, to attend the meeting.
- Hubbard stated he did not believe he was being released until he received new clothes and was led out to a waiting vehicle.
Who's Mentioned
PersonDonald Trump“President of the United States who hosted Hubbard in the Oval Office.”locationMoscow“Starting point of Hubbard's drive upon release.”PersonVladimir Putin“Russian President whom Trump asked to free Hubbard.”locationRussia“Country where Hubbard was imprisoned for over four years.”locationUkraine“Location where Hubbard was accused of fighting as a mercenary.”OrganizationWhite House“Location of the meeting between Trump and Hubbard.”PersonStephen Hubbard“Freed American prisoner and retired teacher from Michigan.”locationMichigan“Home state of Stephen Hubbard.”locationSt. Petersburg“Destination on Hubbard's release drive.”