US Nearing Deal With Russia for Release of Detained Americans
Sources indicate negotiations are in final stages, focusing on the release of Stephen Hubbard and other U.S. citizens.
The United States is reportedly close to a deal with Russia that could secure the release of multiple Americans detained in Russia, according to sources familiar with the matter. Negotiations are said to be in their final stages, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, senior advisor to the President, leading the talks.
The discussions have primarily focused on the case of Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old retired teacher whom the State Department has designated as wrongfully detained. The potential agreement also aims to free other U.S. citizens held in Russia on charges the administration believes are unsubstantiated.
Sources caution that while the terms of a potential arrangement are becoming clearer, the deal is not yet finalized and could still change or fall through. Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow this week, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo, Norway.
President Donald Trump has publicly addressed his efforts to secure the release of Americans held abroad, stating on Monday, "I'm trying to get a hostage that the country has been after for a long time," a comment believed to refer to Hubbard. He added, "Let's see what happens. That'll be soon."
When asked about a potential prisoner exchange on Tuesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov acknowledged that dialogue on such issues is ongoing through intelligence channels. Ryabkov confirmed that Hubbard's name was familiar but offered no further details.
The White House has declined to comment on the developing situation. The specifics of what Russia might receive in exchange for the release of U.S. citizens remain unclear. Recently, the Trump administration has made several policy decisions viewed as favorable to Moscow, including waiving newly imposed sanctions on Russian officials and oligarchs and increasing pressure on Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian energy sites.
There are currently at least eight Americans held in Russian custody.