Trump, Putin negotiate release of US Air Force veteran from Russian prison

Stephen Hubbard, a retired U.S. teacher and Air Force veteran, was released from Russian custody on Wednesday after spending over four years in prison. Hubbard was serving a roughly seven-year sentence after being accused by Russia in 2022 of working with Ukraine as a mercenary. American President Donald Trump announced his release from prison on social media, saying it was out of respect for the president and nothing was asked of the U.S. in return. “This release was not part of an exchange — and we extend our thanks to President Putin for releasing him on President Trump’s request,” Special…