World · 2026-10-24 · Morning briefing

Freed US citizen was tortured in Russian jail, witnesses say

Two former Ukrainian prisoners allege that Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen, was systematically tortured during his detention in Russia. Dmytro Khyliuk and Ihor Shyshko, who were held alongside him, say they witnessed guards beating, electrocuting, and humiliating Hubbard. They claim he was specifically targeted due to his nationality, with guards accusing him of being a mercenary while denying him food and medical care.

Hubbard was captured by Russian soldiers in April 2022 in the Ukrainian city of Izyum, where he was living. He was later convicted in a Moscow trial of serving in Ukraine's armed forces and sentenced to six years and 10 months in a penal colony. He was ultimately released after serving four-and-a-half years of his sentence.

His release coincided with a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump had reportedly asked for Hubbard's freedom in a phone call the week prior. One witness also claimed that during his imprisonment, Hubbard was deliberately hidden from visiting International Red Cross inspectors to conceal his physical condition.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

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• Freed US citizen was tortured in Russian jail, former Ukrainian prisoners say
• Russia, US Say American Hubbard Was Not Released in Exchange for a Russian War Blogger
• Who is Stephen Hubbard, the retired American teacher freed by Russia?
• Russia releases US citizen Stephen Hubbard from prison
• Russia Has Freed US Citizen Stephen Hubbard

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