American imprisoned by Russia released as Witkoff meets and praises Putin

What happened: Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American retired teacher imprisoned for four years after being captured in Eastern Ukraine and convicted of fighting against Russia. U.S. special envoy Steve Whitkoff greeted him in St. Petersburg and also met with the Russian president. Key numbers: Hubbard is 74 and was imprisoned for four years. He was reportedly freed without a swap. Why it matters: The release came as Whitkoff met with the Russian president and praised Putin in unusually glowing terms, according to the report. Coverage: 7 outlets in 24h

Russia released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American retired teacher imprisoned for four years after being captured in Eastern Ukraine and convicted of fighting against Russia. U.S. special envoy Steve Whitkoff greeted him in St. Petersburg and also met with the Russian president.

The release came as Whitkoff met with the Russian president and praised Putin in unusually glowing terms, according to the report.