Putin and Whitkoff's talks began with the release of a 74-year-old American from a Russian prison. As Trump promised
The day before, the US President assured journalists that "no one else would have succeeded" in securing the release of Stephen Hubbard. He was convicted of mercenarism in Russia.
Stephen Hubbard
Russia released American Stephen Hubbard. The Russian side reported this.
According to Putin, Hubbard is already at Pulkovo Airport. Steve Whitkoff thanked the Russian leader for the release.
The day before, on October 20, Trump stated that he had personally discussed Hubbard's release with Putin and asked him to let him go. When asked about preparing the agreement, he replied: "No one else could have done this." "I do what no one else can do," Trump added.
74‑year-old Hubbard, a retired teacher, was sentenced in Russia in 2024 to six years and ten months in a penal colony — allegedly for fighting on Ukraine's side.