Trump hails Russia’s release of US teacher amid Witkoff’s visit – politics live

US was not required to give anything in return for Stephen Hubbard’s release ‘out of respect for President Trump’, he claims Sign up for Breaking News US email The US president has just posted on Hubbard’s release, saying: “Welcome home Stephen, it’s great to have you back.” The statement posted on his Truth Social says the prisoner release was the result of a direct request Trump made to Putin in a telephone call last week. The United States, out of respect for President Trump, was not required to give anything in return - an unprecedented situation for Russia. There was no “swap” necessary…