Putin orders release of jailed American as he meets Trump envoy for Ukraine talks

Vladimir Putin ordered the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American teacher imprisoned for over four years on mercenary charges, during a meeting with Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg. The discussions focused on ending the war in Ukraine amid strengthening Moscow-Washington relations. Witkoff praised Putin as a humanitarian following the release, while Trump attributed previous delays in Hubbard's freedom to Democrats. The encounter highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.