Trump Claims Credit for Release of American Held in Russia, Criticizes Biden

Former President Donald Trump announced that Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen held in Russia, has been released from detention. Trump claimed credit for the release, stating he directly requested it from Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call last week. He further asserted that Russia did not demand a prisoner swap in return for Hubbard's freedom, attributing this to "respect for President Trump."

Trump also used Hubbard's release to criticize the Biden administration, suggesting that the former teacher had been held for an unnecessarily long period. "Biden should have done the Hubbard release long ago! What a difference a President makes!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

Hubbard, a 74-year-old U.S. Air Force and National Guard veteran, was living in Ukraine when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. He was detained by Russian forces in April 2022 and subsequently convicted of being a mercenary. In October 2024, he was sentenced to six years and 10 months in prison.

The former president's announcement highlights his direct engagement with foreign leaders on behalf of Americans detained abroad, a tactic he employed during his presidency.