Trump Announces Release of American Stephen Hubbard by Russia

Washington, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : President Donald Trump stated that Russia has released American citizen Stephen Hubbard at his request. During a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump raised the issue of Hubbard’s release, which was granted without any conditions.

Speaking to reporters after a cybersecurity event at the White House, Trump said, “I was discussing the Ukraine war with Vladimir Putin. I believe we are closer to an agreement than ever. During that conversation, I asked him to please release Stephen Hubbard, and he agreed.”

Trump confirmed that Hubbard has been released by Russian authorities and is currently on his way back to the United States. He mentioned that Hubbard is on a plane, accompanied by Steve Witkoff and his family.

The president emphasized that the U.S. did not offer anything in return for Hubbard’s release. “We didn’t give anything in exchange, which is very rare. We never give anything. Once you start giving in exchange, the problem only escalates,” Trump explained.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump spoke with Hubbard, who expressed his happiness. Hubbard’s family had feared he might spend the next 20 or 25 years in prison.

When asked if this release could be viewed as a humanitarian gesture, Trump responded that it could be seen that way since a person who believed he would spend his life in prison has now gained freedom.

Trump noted that he did not heed calls for tougher actions against Russia. “If I had done what some people wanted, Hubbard would not be free today. He might have had to stay in prison for another 20 years,” he said.

He expressed his desire not to take any actions that could hinder efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Trump did not specify what measures critics were demanding against Russia.

Regarding Iran, Trump stated that U.S. actions have significantly weakened the country. He claimed that Iran has reached a level of vulnerability it has never experienced before, with its military capabilities severely impacted.

Trump remarked on the limited involvement of Russia and China in the Iran conflict as a positive development. He noted, “A very important point is that Russia and China have not participated as much as they could have. I am very pleased with that.”

He added that while China could have taken a more active role, its participation has been relatively limited. Both Russia and China want to see an end to the conflict, and the U.S. is collaborating with Russia in this direction, with China also involved.

Trump did not clarify which war he was referencing or the specific role China is playing in it.