U.S. Citizen Sentenced in Russia for Mercenary Activity

Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old American from Michigan, has been sentenced to six years and ten months in a Russian prison for allegedly serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. Hubbard was accused of signing a contract with a Ukrainian territorial defense unit in Izyum, promising him $1,000 a month, and was captured by Russian forces shortly after the war began in 2022. The trial concluded behind closed doors, and Hubbard pled guilty, although his family disputes the charges, citing his pacifist nature. The U.S. State Department criticized Russia for denying consular access to Hubbard, reflecting ongoing tensions between Russia and the West. This case marks the first conviction of an American on mercenary charges related to the Ukraine conflict. His situation highlights concerns about the safety of U.S. nationals in Russia and potential use in diplomatic negotiations.