Russia releases American hostage Stephen Hubbard

WBUR

Published October 21, 2026 at 12:06 PM EDT

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he has freed an American hostage, Stephen Hubbard, after a request from President Trump. Hubbard was accused of fighting for Ukraine against Russia, and he is a retired teacher.

Here & Now‘s Scott Tong speaks with NPR’s Charles Maynes.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

NPR News

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