Russia releases US citizen as Trump’s envoy visits

President Donald Trump celebrated Russia's release of US teacher Stephen Hubbard, who was convicted of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Trump claimed he directly requested the release from Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone last week. Hubbard, 74, will soon return home to his family, marking an unprecedented situation for Russia as they did not need to offer anything in return.

The US president posted a message on Truth Social, welcoming Hubbard home and stating that he is "great to have you back." This significant return should have occurred earlier, according to Trump, who criticized the Biden Administration for failing to secure Hubbard's release through negotiations. The release comes as Trump prepares for the mid-term elections, promising his supporters $5,000 cash for every American adult if Republicans win the House and Senate.

However, some lawmakers have questioned the funding source, while Democrats call it a vote-buying scheme. Voters are already grappling with rising inflation and gas prices nearing $4 a gallon, with half of registered voters expressing doubt that Trump will keep his promises.