Trump Hails 'Very Special' Hubbard After Four-Year Russian Detention

President Donald Trump welcomed Stephen Hubbard to the White House on Friday, marking the first public appearance for the American citizen since his return from a Russian prison. The two men held a meeting in the Oval Office, inviting press to observe the interaction. Trump described Hubbard as a "very special man" who had "suffered greatly" during his captivity.

Hubbard, 74, spent more than four years in Russian detention after being accused of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. A retired teacher, he arrived back in the United States last week. In an interview with CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs, Hubbard described the surreal moment he realized his freedom was real. "I heard it many times before and I reached the state where seeing is believing," he said. "Only when they started giving me new clothes and leading me to the exit of the prison."

The announcement of Hubbard's release came during a separate meeting between a U.S. special envoy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Trump stated that the release did not involve a prisoner swap. However, he linked the timing to his choice to pause sanctions previously passed by Congress. "We were in the midst of negotiating," Trump told reporters last week. "And a lot of stupid people said, and people that don't know how life works, they said, 'Why aren't you putting Russia sanctions and all this' in the midst of a negotiation to try to get a long-term hostage back from Russia. If I would have done that, you would not have Mr. Hubbard coming back."

The president has not reimposed those sanctions since Hubbard's arrival. The White House meeting concluded with Hubbard standing beside Trump as cameras flashed. No formal press conference followed the private Oval Office session.