Trump Meets Freed American Teacher After Four Years in Russia

After spending more than four years in a Russian prison on accusations of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, retired American teacher Stephen James Hubbard returned to the United States and met President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. The 74-year-old credited Trump with securing his freedom and expressed hope that his experience could help other Americans still detained in Russia.

CBS News reported that Trump welcomed Hubbard in the Oval Office, where reporters were invited to witness their meeting. The president described the former teacher as someone who had endured considerable suffering during his imprisonment.

"Very special man," said Trump, describing Hubbard during the White House meeting.

"Suffered greatly," added Trump, referring to the American's experience in Russian custody.

According to CBS News, Hubbard had been imprisoned for more than four years after Russian authorities accused him of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. His release was announced following a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.

The New York Times reported that Hubbard was freed on October 21 after intervention by the Trump administration. The State Department had designated him as wrongfully detained.

During his imprisonment, Hubbard relied on his mother's Bible and reading materials to endure isolation. He said he experienced beatings and inadequate food, although he characterized the physical abuse as limited.

"Not severely," Hubbard said, describing the extent of the beatings he experienced.

A guard eventually whispered "home" to signal that his release was approaching. However, Hubbard's younger sister told the Associated Press that he did not fully realize he was being freed until he boarded an airplane and saw an American flag.

"He may have thought he was going to his death," his younger sister said, describing the uncertainty surrounding his release.

In his first interview following his return, Hubbard avoided discussing details of his capture in Ukraine or criticizing Russia extensively. According to The New York Times, he was concerned that speaking too openly could jeopardize other Americans who remain imprisoned there.

Asked by CNN about his treatment in Russian custody, Hubbard acknowledged that the experience was deeply unpleasant.

"It's not something I would want to repeat," Hubbard said about his imprisonment.

He also described how prolonged isolation affected his perspective and gave him opportunities for personal reflection. During his detention, he was reportedly forced to sing the Russian national anthem but was also provided with books to read.

"In some ways it was spiritually good, because you're there alone and have much time to think about your past life," Hubbard said, reflecting on the period of isolation.

Trump also addressed the diplomatic circumstances surrounding Hubbard's release, rejecting the suggestion that the United States had exchanged concessions through a prisoner swap.

"Swap," Trump said, rejecting the characterization of an exchange involving Hubbard's freedom.

However, the president connected the release to ongoing negotiations with Moscow and his administration's decision not to impose congressional sanctions on Russia during those discussions.

"We were in the midst of negotiating," Trump said, explaining why his administration had avoided additional pressure on Russia while seeking Hubbard's return. He criticized those who questioned the decision to delay sanctions.

Trump said imposing the measures during negotiations could have prevented Hubbard's release.

"Why aren't you putting Russia sanctions and all this," Trump recalled critics asking during the negotiations.

He argued that maintaining diplomatic discussions was necessary to secure the American's return.

"Long-term hostage back from Russia," Trump said, describing the objective of the negotiations.

CBS News reported that Trump had not reinstated the congressional sanctions following Hubbard's release. The president's White House meeting with the former prisoner came as Hubbard prepared to discuss his experience and the possibility of helping other Americans still held in Russia.