Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the release of an American man from prison as he met with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff for talks on ending the Ukraine war, amid renewed diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Washington. The release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old former teacher, followed a direct request from Trump and marks a significant step in easing tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
The meeting, held in St. Petersburg, saw Witkoff praise Putin as a humanitarian and convey Trump's thanks for a deal to resume Russian diesel exports to the U.S. The Kremlin agreed in principle to trilateral talks with the U.S. and Ukraine, focusing on post-war security arrangements. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia continued their violent exchanges, with missiles striking Kyiv and drones targeting Moscow.
The talks come as tensions rise between Washington and Kyiv, with Trump calling for Zelenskyy's resignation and urging Ukraine to halt its military operations. The release of Hubbard is seen as a calculated move by Russia to align with Trump's stance on Ukraine, while the ongoing conflict highlights the challenges of achieving a lasting peace. The situation underscores the complex interplay of diplomacy and warfare in the region.