U.S. 🤝 Russia

An American prisoner is free after 4+ years in Russian custody.

Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired Michigan teacher who’d been living in Ukraine since 2014, was freed by Russia during U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to St. Petersburg Wednesday. Convicted of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine (charges Uncle Sam called “fabricated”), Hubbard was the last “wrongfully detained” American in Russia. He was released at President Trump’s request (see Hubbard on his flight home), with no prisoner swap, a move #47 tied to recent sanctions waivers.

Following the release, Witkoff called Putin “a humanitarian,” sparking bipartisan backlash; VP Vance defended saying what was needed for “bringing an American hostage home.”

Putin also agreed to resume peace talks with Ukraine. President Zelenskyy voiced his support, but noted that breaking the impasse will require a trilateral meeting with Putin, Trump, and himself.

Verse to consider whether you’re navigating a relationship with an international adversary, a difficult coworker, or a cranky toddler… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.”
Psalm 34:14-15 (CSB) (read full passage)