Russia releases American teacher Stephen Hubbard

By Erick León

Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher who had been in Russian custody since 2022, on October 21.

The announcement coincided with a meeting between Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg. Reuters reported that Hubbard was transferred to that city to begin his journey back to the United States.

The release added a consular outcome to contacts between the two governments, whose agenda also includes the war in Ukraine and energy issues.

Reuters. Information cited as of October 25, 2026.

Original Spanish report, published October 25, 2026.

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