Russian Court Sentences 72-Year-Old US Citizen to Nearly Seven Years in Prison
A 72-year-old US citizen accused of fighting as a mercenary on the side of Ukraine has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison by a Russian court. This comes amidst a series of detentions and trials of US citizens by Russia in recent times, including a major prisoner exchange.
The defendant, identified as Stephen Hubbard, received a sentence of six years and 10 months for participating as a mercenary in the armed conflict. The prosecution alleged that he was paid to join a Ukrainian territorial defense unit and took part in the conflict.
Another US citizen, Robert Gilman, was also sentenced to seven years and one month for attacking prison staff and a criminal investigator. Russia has been cracking down on Westerners with various charges, some related to the Ukraine conflict.
The recent sentencing highlights the tense relations between Russia and the US, as both countries navigate through diplomatic challenges and legal battles.