An American citizen, 72-year-old Stephen Hubbard, has been sentenced to six years and ten months in a Russian prison after being accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Hubbard, originally from Big Rapids, Michigan, was arrested by Russian forces in April 2022 during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russian authorities claim that Hubbard was engaged in combat against their forces for financial compensation, a charge his family vehemently denies.
Hubbard’s family and friends maintain that the accusations are baseless. They assert that Hubbard moved to Ukraine in 2014 to teach English and had no involvement in military activities. According to his relatives, Hubbard is not a “fighter type” and has never owned a firearm. They believe that he has been wrongfully imprisoned and are working tirelessly to prove his innocence and secure his release.
The Moscow court that handed down the sentence convicted Hubbard under charges of being a mercenary, a violation that Russia has aggressively pursued in cases involving foreign nationals captured in Ukraine. Despite the lack of physical evidence tying Hubbard to combat activities, the court proceeded with the sentencing, citing testimony and evidence from Russian authorities.
Hubbard’s arrest and subsequent sentencing have drawn attention to the risks faced by foreign nationals in Ukraine, particularly as Russia continues to crack down on anyone perceived to be supporting Ukraine’s war effort. His case has also sparked diplomatic concerns between the U.S. and Russia, as the Biden administration is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
The U.S. State Department has called for fair treatment and due process for Hubbard, but direct intervention has been complicated by the strained relations between Washington and Moscow. A spokesperson for the State Department expressed concerns over the “questionable nature” of the charges and the lack of transparency in the legal proceedings.
Hubbard’s family, meanwhile, is appealing for support from U.S. officials to negotiate his release. They are urging the government to prioritize his case amid the increasing number of Americans being detained abroad under dubious circumstances.
Since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated in 2022, multiple foreign nationals, including Americans, have been detained by Russian forces, many of them accused of working as mercenaries or assisting Ukrainian troops. Human rights organizations have criticized these detentions, calling for international oversight and fair trials.
As Hubbard’s case continues to unfold, his family remains hopeful that they can challenge the conviction. “He went there to teach, not to fight,” said one family member. “This is not who he is, and we just want him home.”
The next steps for Hubbard’s legal team may involve diplomatic channels, as they push for either a retrial or potential negotiations for his release. Until then, Hubbard remains imprisoned, and his family, friends, and supporters are left waiting for what comes next in this international legal battle.
