U.S. Teacher Kept as Prisoner of War in Russia Says He Was Beaten by Guards and Forced to Sing National Anthem

**Former Teacher Speaks Out After Release from Russian Prison**

Stephen Hubbard, a retired 74-year-old teacher from Michigan, has finally returned to the United States after spending over four years in a Russian prison on charges related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His release came on 28 October 2024, bringing an end to a harrowing chapter in his life that has attracted significant media attention.

Initially captured during the conflict, Hubbard was accused by Russian authorities of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. In October 2024, he was sentenced to nearly seven years in a penal colony. His legal team has consistently asserted that these accusations are baseless, emphasising that he had not participated in any military activities. The U.S. State Department has classified Hubbard as “wrongfully detained,” marking him as the only American to receive such designation in Russia.

Following his return home, Hubbard provided a poignant account of the treatment he endured while imprisoned. In a conversation with The New York Times, he recounted how prison guards subjected him to physical abuse, forcing him to sing the Russian national anthem as part of his humiliation. While he acknowledged that he had been beaten, he downplayed the severity of the physical violence, explaining that the food he received, although minimal, was enough for survival.

“Meals were small—primarily bread and porridge, with occasional servings of fish or meat,” Hubbard explained. “We got enough to live, but it wasn’t fulfilling.” His comments echo reports from former Ukrainian prisoners who were incarcerated alongside him, who first brought attention to his maltreatment.

Hubbard, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, had previously lived in several countries before settling in Ukraine. He had moved there to be with a woman he had met while stationed in Cyprus, unsure of the turmoil that awaited as the conflict escalated. Unlike most other U.S. citizens detained in Russia, Hubbard was placed in the general prison population, which added to his distress, leaving him feeling isolated and confused in an environment where he could not communicate effectively.

Despite these challenges, Hubbard managed to receive limited supplies during his imprisonment. He noted that he was given various books, including an English version of the New Testament and an eighth-grade English textbook for Russian students. He took solace in having his late mother’s Bible with him while navigating the hardships of incarceration.

In an unexpected turn, Hubbard learned of his impending release through a prison guard who quietly assured him, “Home,” while preparing him for a new coat. Initially sceptical about the announcement, he remained in a state of cautious hope, recalling past instances when he had been informed of potential freedom that never materialised.

The negotiations leading to Hubbard’s release involved high-level discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who all sought a resolution amid the deepening conflict between the two nations. Hubbard expressed gratitude to Trump for his involvement in securing his freedom and hopes that his case might pave the way for improved relations between Russia and the U.S., potentially aiding other Americans currently detained in various Russian prisons.

Upon his release, Trump hailed Hubbard as “the happiest man around,” praising him as a “very high-quality, innocent man.” With at least seven other U.S. citizens still held in Russia, Hubbard’s story serves as a reminder of the many individuals caught in international conflicts, and the complexities surrounding their fates.

As he settles back into life in Michigan, Hubbard’s experience has sparked discussions about the treatment of prisoners and the nature of international diplomacy in resolving such conflicts. His resilience throughout his ordeal highlights not only personal strength but also the broader implications of civilian involvement in warfare, particularly amid the volatile landscape of modern geopolitics.