Russia Releases Michigan Man Detained on Ukraine Mercenary Charges
Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, an American from Michigan who was detained for over four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. His release occurred during a visit to St. Petersburg by a U.S. envoy, following a…
Detroit, MI, October 21, 2026 —
Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, an American from Michigan who had been detained for more than four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, according to the provided information.
Hubbard’s release occurred while a U.S. envoy was visiting St. Petersburg. The release followed a request from President Trump. No further details were provided about the request, the envoy’s identity or whether the visit was directly connected to negotiations over Hubbard’s case.
The information does not specify when Hubbard was detained or released, where he had been held, or what evidence or legal proceedings underpinned the charges. It also does not say whether he was convicted, whether the charges were withdrawn, or what conditions, if any, accompanied his release. The specific date of the envoy’s visit was not provided.
Hubbard was described as being from Michigan and as an American. No additional information was provided about his age, background, activities in Ukraine or plans following his release. The circumstances surrounding his detention and the steps leading to his release remain unclear from the available account.
The reported timing links the release to the envoy’s visit and to Trump’s request, but the information provided does not establish further details about the decision-making process. It also does not include statements from Hubbard, U.S. or Russian officials, or other parties involved. Those details were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.clickondetroit.com, see more information here.
