Putin releases hostage to U.S., drawing praise from Trump administration

What happened: Putin released detained U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard, a 74 year old American teacher convicted four years ago of fighting for Ukraine, and Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin as a "humanitarian." Key numbers: Hubbard is 74 and was convicted four years ago. The war is in its fifth year. Why it matters: The release came with a new willingness by Putin to resume trilateral negotiations with the U.S. and Ukraine to end the war, part of White House efforts to curry favor with Russia. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Putin released detained U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard, a 74 year old American teacher convicted four years ago of fighting for Ukraine, and Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin as a "humanitarian."

The release came with a new willingness by Putin to resume trilateral negotiations with the U.S. and Ukraine to end the war, part of White House efforts to curry favor with Russia.