MOSCOW, October 21 (HS/RIA Novosti) - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed Russia's release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard, who fought for armed forces of Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding a meeting with US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Konstantinovskiy Palace in St. Petersburg. Witkoff thanked Putin for the release of US citizen Stephen Hubbard, who was convicted of mercenary activities in Russia.

Stephen Hubbard, taken four years ago by Russia during the Biden Administration, was just released from prison, at the request of President Donald J. Trump, made directly to President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation last week. Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family, Trump said on Truth Social.

Moscow did not demand anyone in exchange for Hubbard, Trump said.

The United States, out of respect for President Trump, was not required to give anything in return - an unprecedented situation for Russia. There was no 'swap' necessary for this release, Trump added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar