Russian Court Sentences US Citizen to Nearly 7 Years in Prison for Fighting in Ukraine
A 72-year-old US citizen has been sentenced to nearly seven years in a Russian prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. This comes as part of a series of detentions and trials involving US citizens in Russia, including a recent prisoner exchange that facilitated the return of jailed individuals from both countries.
The defendant, named as Stephen Hubbard, received a six-year and ten-month sentence for his involvement in the armed conflict. The court took into account his time in custody since April 2022, with the possibility of appealing the sentence.
Prosecutors claimed Hubbard was paid to join a Ukrainian defense unit, providing combat training and gear. While details of his arrest are still unclear, a video surfaced during his detainment, showing Hubbard declaring his presence in Ukraine since 2014.
This case is part of a larger trend of Westerners being imprisoned in Russia, many on charges related to the conflict in Ukraine. The recent prisoner swap between Russia and the West signals ongoing geopolitical tensions and the impact on individuals caught in the crossfire.
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