White House Visit: Trump Hubs Reunites With Released Prisoner

President Trump hosted Stephen Hubbard in the Oval Office on Friday, marking the retired teacher's first official engagement in the United States since his return.

Hubbard spent more than four years in a Russian prison after officials accused him of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. He is 74 years old. He arrived back in the country last week following his release. During the Friday meeting, Trump invited reporters to witness the encounter and described Hubbard as a special man who suffered greatly while detained.

Hubbard recounted the moment he believed his freedom was real to CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs. He stated that he had heard release rumors many times before, reaching a point where he required physical proof. He noted that he only trusted the news when guards began dressing him in new clothes and leading him toward the prison exit.

The announcement of Hubbard's freedom occurred during a meeting between U.S. special envoy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Trump told reporters last week that no direct prisoner swap occurred to secure Hubbard's release. However, the president linked the outcome to his decision to pass a sanctions package approved by Congress. He argued that imposing sanctions during active negotiations would have prevented Hubbard's return. The president has not reimposed those sanctions since Hubbard arrived home.