Donald Trump claims no concessions were made for release of detained American

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that no exchanges were required for the release of Stephen Hubbard, an American citizen detained in Russia for allegedly fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. While Trump initially claimed on Truth Social that the release required ‘no trades,’ he later clarified that negotiations would have ‘completely and finally collapsed’ had previously planned sanctions against Moscow been implemented.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg to facilitate the release. Hubbard, a resident of Michigan, had been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison following a closed-door trial in 2024. He has denied the charges.

The release occurs amid broader diplomatic shifts, including Trump’s recent decision to temporarily ease certain sanctions and tariffs on Russia and his efforts to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Critics suggest these actions may prioritize diplomatic deals over Ukrainian interests ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.