American Senior Citizen on Trial in Moscow for Mercenary Accusations
In a strange turn of events, another American has been detained in Russia. This time, it's 72-year old Stephen James Hubbard, who confessed in a Moscow court to charges of fighting against Russia in the Ukraine war. He admitted to being a mercenary for Ukraine, a claim substantiated by Russian media reports that he had been part of a Ukrainian territorial defense unit in Izyum, an eastern Ukrainian city, since the war began. His family, however, disputes these allegations.
Family Disputes Mercenary Claims
Hubbard's family has expressed skepticism about the mercenary claims, particularly given his age and his past expressions of understanding for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His sister has publicly stated that Hubbard is "non-military," never owned a gun, and is more of a pacifist. She further noted that the Ukrainian military does not accept volunteers aged 60 and older, and that Hubbard was 70 when he was allegedly "kidnapped."
Unclear Circumstances Surrounding Hubbard's Detention
The details of how Hubbard ended up in Russian custody are still unclear. A Facebook user named Trisha Hubbard Fox claimed in May that her brother had been "kidnapped" in Ukraine nearly three years ago by Chechen soldiers, who allegedly beat him on video. Despite these claims, Hubbard's confession could lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years if he is convicted.
Hubbard's Background and Potential Sentence
Prosecutors have stated that Hubbard signed a contract and was promised $1,000 a month to fight for Ukraine. Prior to his detention, he had been living in Izyum for several years, surviving on a small pension and at one point living with a Ukrainian girlfriend. Hubbard, originally from Big Rapids, Michigan, has spent many years living abroad and has worked as an English teacher in places like Japan and Cyprus.
Other Americans Detained in Russia
Currently, there are ten Americans in Russian custody for various alleged crimes. There have been two significant prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Washington since the Ukraine war began, with the potential for more in the future.
US Embassy Response
The US Embassy has acknowledged reports of Hubbard's arrest but cited privacy restrictions as the reason for not providing further comments.
Bottom Line
The case of Stephen James Hubbard is a complex one, with many details still unclear. The notion of a 72-year old American being involved in the Ukraine war as a mercenary is certainly an unusual one, and his family's vehement denial of these allegations adds another layer of intrigue. What are your thoughts on this case? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
