Hubbard was accused of serving in a defence unit in Izyum, Ukraine, when he was captured by Russian forces shortly after Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022. Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in that same year, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Steve Witkoff is in Saint Petersburg, holding talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
European leaders have meanwhile expressed concern about recent US statements towards Russia regarding the ongoing diplomatic maneuvers and proposals.
Russia has released a 74-year-old American citizen who was jailed for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine, as President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg for talks. The release of Stephen Hubbard coincides with high-level discussions aimed at ending Russia's years-long conflict with Ukraine.
Witkoff landed in St Petersburg to discuss proposals on ending the war and to talk over measures with the Russian leadership. The Ukrainian president and his European allies said it was now up to Russia to respond to the proposals agreed in Oslo when Witkoff meets Putin on Wednesday. During the discussions in St Petersburg, Witkoff praised Putin for releasing Hubbard."You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian - you are a humanitarian also sir, and I salute that,"Witkoff told Putin.
Ukraine says it carried out first drone airlift of wounded soldier from front line Inside the shadowy world of anti-Putin sabotage from within Russia Trump says suspension of Russia sanctions is to keep peace negotiations going Steve Witkoff has landed in St Petersburg to discuss proposals on ending Russia's years-long conflict with Ukraine.
Issued on: 21/10/2026 - 13:07Modified: 21/10/2026 - 13:08 US envoy Steve Witkoff is in Saint Petersburg, holding talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian president and his European allies said it was now up to Russia to respond to the proposals agreed in Oslo when Witkoff meets Putin in St Petersburg on Wednesday to discuss measures to end the war.
He was accused of serving in a defence unit in Izyum, Ukraine, when he was captured by Russian forces shortly after Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian officials said at least 10 people were killed on Tuesday - four in Kyiv and the capital region, another four in the eastern Donetsk region, and two in the central city of Dnipro.