American imprisoned by Russia released as Witkoff meets and praises Putin
Russia freed an American imprisoned for the last four years. Stephen Hubbard was captured in Eastern Ukraine and convicted of fighting against Russia. The 74-year-old retired teacher was reportedly freed without a swap. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff greeted Hubbard in St. Petersburg. He also met with the Russian president and praised Putin in unusually glowing terms. Nick Schifrin reports.
Donald Trump has been seen as cozying up to Russia again, as he released an American prisoner, 74-year-old Stephen Hubbard, back to the US on Wednesday. Trump claimed that Russia released the prisoner "out of respect for President Trump." However, Trump is incorrect, as the US administration has provided substantial support to Russia in recent weeks, often in inexplicable ways and despite condemnation from both parties.
In the past month, Trump has waived upcoming economic sanctions on Russia and struck a diesel deal with the country, temporarily lifting fuel sanctions in exchange for Russia releasing a small amount of diesel into the global market. He also announced a Russia-Ukraine "energy ceasefire" that is favorable to Russia, although it has since fallen apart.
Additionally, Trump has temporarily interrupted US intel sharing with Ukraine and played a role in interfering with Ukraine's access to Starlink, which helps power the country's drone warfare against Russia. Lastly, Trump called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be replaced.
Trump's actions have not brought any significant benefits, as the US did not offer anything in return for the prisoner release. Instead, these favors have amounted to little more than papering over Russia's role as an international bad actor and undermining US alliances in Europe. This situation is particularly concerning for Ukraine, which is now facing a Russian campaign to "freeze Ukrainians into submission" as winter approaches.
Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff even referred to Putin as a "humanitarian," further emphasizing the US's problematic relationship with Russia.
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