Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan, was reportedly released from Russian custody following diplomatic efforts involving the Trump administration.
According to Russian state-run media, Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg on Wednesday morning ahead of a scheduled meeting with Putin at Constantine Palace.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the envoy’s arrival and told reporters that the meeting was expected to take place during the first half of the day.
Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported that Witkoff thanked Putin for authorizing Hubbard’s release.
According to a Russian account of the discussions, Putin said Hubbard had been transported to Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg following his release.
Hubbard had been detained in eastern Ukraine in April 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country.
The development comes as the Trump administration intensifies diplomatic efforts to secure the freedom of American citizens held in Russia.
Two U.S. officials and another source familiar with the negotiations told ABC News that Washington was approaching an agreement that could result in the release of several Americans from Russian detention.
The discussions reportedly focused on Hubbard and other U.S. citizens held by Moscow on charges that the Trump administration considers questionable.
Witkoff’s visit signals continued direct engagement between Washington and Moscow, with the release of detained Americans emerging as a key priority in bilateral discussions.
The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of strained U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
While Russian media reported Hubbard’s release, the full terms of the arrangement and details of any additional prisoner releases have not been publicly disclosed.
It also remains unclear whether the broader negotiations will lead to the release of other Americans currently detained in Russia.
The reported development represents a significant step in Washington’s efforts to bring detained U.S. citizens home, as diplomatic discussions between the two countries continue.
