Putin Releases American Jailed in Russia After U.S. Envoy Arrives for Ukraine Talks

President Vladimir Putin ordered the release of Stephen James Hubbard, an American teacher who was taken from his home in Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion, state media reported Wednesday, as the Kremlin leader met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg to discuss Ukraine peace negotiations and bilateral relations with Washington.

The state-run TASS news agency cited Putin as saying that Hubbard, who Russia had accused of serving as a mercenary for the Ukrainian armed forces, was already preparing to board a flight back to the United States. Washington maintained that the 74-year-old Michigan native was wrongfully detained and sentenced to six years in prison.