The Case of the American Teacher Imprisoned in Russia
October 20, 2026
74-year-old American Stephen Hubbard, a former English teacher in Cyprus, has been imprisoned in Russia on charges of serving as a mercenary in the Ukraine war. The U.S. government recognizes his detention as wrongful and is planning negotiations for his release. Hubbard, who has lived in various countries for years, was arrested in 2022 amid the conflict in Ukraine. Several organizations are pushing for consular access from U.S. officials. His family is worried about his condition and health.