An American Recounted His Four Years In Russian Prisons

30.10.2026, 12:26
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Stephen Hubbard visited five Russian prisons.

A 74-year-old American Stephen James Hubbard, released after more than four years in prison in Russia, spoke about his experiences in prisons and a penal colony. Arrested in Izyum on charges of mercenary activity—which Washington called fabricated—he knew almost no Russian, lived in isolation, and read a Bible that belonged to his mother, according to The New York Times.

During his years in prison, Hubbard was held in five Russian prisons. He was first sent to a camp near the Russian-Ukrainian border. At times, his relatives did not even know where he was, and the U.S. Embassy was unable to gain access to him. Knowing neither Russian nor Ukrainian, the American was virtually cut off from the outside world.

During his entire time in prison, Hubbard spoke with his son on the phone only once. In mid-October, one of the guards unexpectedly whispered to him: “Home.”

On October 21, the American was released following a personal appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump to Putin. From the IK-12 penal colony in Mordovia, he was first transported to Moscow, then to St. Petersburg, from where he flew to the United States. No prisoner exchange was required for his release.

After his release, Hubbard had to readjust to normal life. During his years in prison, he had no access to either television or radio, so he knew almost nothing about how the world had changed during his absence. His sister compared his return home to waking up from a coma: the events and changes that had taken place over the years came as a real shock to him.

Hubbard avoids political commentary, expresses sympathy for others who have been imprisoned, and thanks Trump for his return home. According to the publication, at least seven U.S. citizens remain in Russian prisons.

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