Freed American Teacher Describes Four Years in Russian Custody

WHO:

CBS News Politics - Stephen Hubbard is an American retired teacher who was imprisoned in Russia for more than four years.

Newser - Stephen James Hubbard is a 74-year-old retired teacher from the United States.

Newser - Hubbard’s younger sister told the Associated Press that he did not know he was being freed until he boarded an airplane and saw an American flag.

Newser - Hubbard said he did not want to jeopardize other Americans still imprisoned in Russia.

NY Post - President Trump hosted Hubbard at the White House.

WHAT:

CBS News Politics - Hubbard gained release from Russian imprisonment after more than four years.

Newser - Hubbard said he survived charges that he was a Ukrainian mercenary, which he described as fabricated.

Newser - Hubbard said he was beaten “but ‘not severely,’” underfed, and once forced to sing the Russian anthem.

Newser - Hubbard said he read books, including his mother’s Bible, during his imprisonment.

Newser - Hubbard said his treatment was “not something I would want to repeat.” He added that “in some ways it was spiritually good, because you're there alone and you have much time to think about your past life.”

NY Post - During an emotional Oval Office visit, Hubbard told President Trump, “I wouldn’t have lasted another year” in Russian custody.

WHERE:

Newser - Hubbard was held in a Russian prison.

Newser - Hubbard was captured in Ukraine, though he declined to describe the capture in detail.

Newser - Hubbard was in Washington and preparing to meet President Trump.

NY Post - President Trump hosted Hubbard at the White House, in the Oval Office.

WHEN:

CBS News Politics - Hubbard’s release occurred the week before the article was published.

Newser - Hubbard’s first interview since his release was described as occurring after his “Oct. 21 release.”

Newser - A guard whispered “home” to signal that Hubbard’s release was real after repeated false starts.

NY Post - President Trump hosted Hubbard on a Friday.

WHY:

Newser - Hubbard avoided harsh criticism of Russia and withheld details of his capture because he did not want to jeopardize Americans still imprisoned there.

Newser - Hubbard credited President Trump with securing his freedom and hoped his case would help others.

HOW:

Newser - The State Department designated Hubbard “wrongfully detained.”

Newser - Hubbard endured imprisonment by reading, including his mother’s Bible, and waiting through repeated false starts before a guard whispered “home.”

Newser - Hubbard’s sister said he realized he was actually being freed only after boarding an airplane and seeing an American flag.

(UPDATED October 30, 2026 23:00 UTC)

Stephen Hubbard, a retired American teacher, has been freed after more than four years in Russian custody. At the White House, Hubbard told President Trump he wouldn’t have lasted another year imprisoned. He credited Trump with securing his freedom, while avoiding details to protect Americans still held in Russia.