President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, that he agreed with his peace envoy’s description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian." The comment followed the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American citizen who had been imprisoned in Russia since 2022. Trump noted his agreement was qualified, specifically referring to the release of Hubbard, who was facing a multi-year prison sentence.
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in St. Petersburg. During the meeting, which was broadcast on Russian state media, Witkoff thanked Putin for the release of Hubbard and said, "You are a humanitarian also, sir." Trump later said he "wouldn't say anything one way or the other" regarding the label generally, but accepted it in the context of the prisoner release.
The release follows a decision by Trump to waive bipartisan congressional sanctions that were intended to restrict Russia’s sale of diesel fuel. Trump said he requested Hubbard’s release during a telephone call with Putin last week and stated that the U.S. was not required to provide a prisoner swap or any other concessions in return. Trump also claimed that Russia has "not gotten involved with Iran," a statement that conflicts with reports of a long-term cooperation between the two nations.
Stephen Hubbard, a retired schoolteacher, was arrested in April 2022 and convicted by a Moscow court in October 2024 of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. Hubbard denied the charges, but was sentenced to six years and 10 months in a penal colony. Putin informed Witkoff on Wednesday morning that Hubbard was at the Pulkovo airport in St. Petersburg preparing to fly back to the United States.
The use of a personal envoy, Steve Witkoff, to conduct these negotiations instead of the Secretary of State, establishes a different procedure for international diplomacy. While Hubbard’s release occurred without a formal prisoner exchange, the waiver of sanctions allows Russia to continue selling diesel fuel. The administration is currently reviewing ideas to end the conflict in Europe.
Next steps include Hubbard’s arrival in the U.S. to reunite with his family. The administration’s continued review of peace proposals for the war in Europe will involve further discussions between Witkoff and Russian officials. Congress has not yet announced whether they will challenge the waiver of the bipartisan sanctions.