A Russian court has sentenced Stephen James Hubbard, a 72-year-old American citizen, to six years and ten months in prison after convicting him of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine. The trial was held behind closed doors.
Hubbard, originally from Michigan, had reportedly been living in Ukraine since 2014 and was allegedly paid $1,000 (£760) per month to serve in a Ukrainian territorial defense unit in the eastern city of Izyum. He was detained by Russian soldiers on April 2, 2022, just weeks after the start of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
According to the RIA state news agency, Hubbard pleaded guilty to the charges. However, his sister and other relatives expressed skepticism about this confession, suggesting he holds pro-Russian views and is unlikely to have taken up arms at his age. “He is so non-military,” his sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, stated. “He never had a gun, owned a gun, done any of that… He’s more of a pacifist.”
Hubbard’s lawyer could not be reached for immediate comment, and the Ukrainian foreign ministry has not responded to inquiries regarding the case. A spokesperson for the US embassy in Moscow confirmed awareness of Hubbard’s detention but declined to provide further details.
Hubbard is among at least ten Americans currently imprisoned in Russia, following a recent prisoner swap on August 1 that saw three Americans released alongside several others.