Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard after over 4 years behind bars

Russia on Wednesday freed an American who had been jailed for more than four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, a deal completed during a visit by a top U.S. envoy and at a time when President Donald Trump has taken a series of actions meant to benefit Moscow.Trump told reporters at the White House that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent call to free Stephen Hubbard and that, unlike previous releases, the U.S. did not have to give up anyone in return.“He is the happiest man around," Trump said of Hubbard, describing the 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan as a “very high-quality, innocent man.” Hubbard's legal team denied the Russian accusations, saying he was not involved in any military activity.The release occurred during a visit to St. Petersburg by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who in a face-to-face interaction with Putin praised...