Russia releases American hostage Stephen Hubbard

WBUR

Published October 21, 2026 at 12:06 PM EDT

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he has freed an American hostage, Stephen Hubbard, after a request from President Trump. Hubbard was accused of fighting for Ukraine against Russia, and he is a retired teacher.

Here & Now‘s Scott Tong speaks with NPR’s Charles Maynes.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Related Content

Some students return to school in Bend, Oregon, after shooting

The Bend-La Pine District is releasing students early Wednesday, but the impacted school, Silver Rail Elementary, remains closed until further notice.
How Trump's attacks on voting system integrity might affect upcoming elections

Dave Davies

Election law expert Rick Hasen explains Trump's interference in the midterms, including threatening local officials with criminal prosecution unless they strike alleged noncitizens from voter rolls.
Why local officials are feeling 'on edge' as election day approaches

Dave Davies

Al Schmidt is the chief election official in the state of Pennsylvania. President Trump's insults put him in danger during the 2020 ballot count. Now Schmidt talks about preparing for the midterms.
NY congressional candidate Brad Lander detained in West Bank

New York Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander was briefly detained by Israeli defense forces Wednesday morning while picking olives in a pro-Palestinian protest in the West Bank.
Supreme Court upholds pause on Trump's anti-trans prison policy

Jaclyn Diaz

The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration has to continue providing gender-affirming care to inmates in federal prisons as litigation on efforts to change the policy continues.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.