Russia sentences 72-year-old American to jail on mercenary charges

A Russian court has sentenced 72-year-old American Stephen James Hubbard to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. Prosecutors claimed that Hubbard was part of a defense unit in Izyum, a city in eastern Ukraine, when he was captured by Russian forces in April 2022, shortly after the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The Russian Prosecutor General’s office stated that Hubbard “systematically received material compensation” for his participation in the conflict on the Ukrainian side. Following this, he was sentenced to six years and ten months in a penal colony. Hubbard, who hails from Michigan, pleaded guilty to the charges during his trial last week, according to Russian state media reports.

However, Hubbard’s family has disputed the allegations against him. His sister, Patricia Fox, told Reuters that her brother has long held pro-Russian views and found it hard to believe he would take up arms at his age. “He is so non-military,” she explained, adding that he had never owned or used a gun. “He’s more of a pacifist,” she emphasized.

Hubbard moved to Ukraine in 2014, initially residing there with a partner. After their separation, he continued to live in the country, sustaining himself on a modest pension. Despite being detained by Russian forces early in 2022, details of his case emerged only when his trial commenced in September.

In a video released by Russian authorities, Hubbard appeared frail and struggled to walk while inside the courtroom’s defendants’ glass box. His trial drew attention, especially given the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The city of Izyum, where he was detained, was captured by Russian troops but later liberated by Ukrainian forces in the autumn of 2022.

In a related development on the same day, another American, Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine, was sentenced to seven years and one month for assaulting a prison officer while already incarcerated in Russia for a previous assault conviction. These cases add to a growing list of Americans currently detained in Russia, with at least ten U.S. nationals reported to be behind bars.

The circumstances surrounding Hubbard’s sentencing and the broader implications for Americans in Russia underscore the increasing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. While some Americans have been released in prisoner swaps—such as one that took place in August—many remain in custody under various charges.

The international community has expressed concern over the treatment of American citizens in Russia, with advocates calling for greater transparency and protection of their rights. The contrasting narratives around Hubbard’s alleged actions highlight the complexities of individual circumstances amid geopolitical tensions. While the Russian government portrays these individuals as mercenaries, families and supporters argue that many have been unjustly detained or mischaracterized.

Hubbard’s case is particularly poignant, as it raises questions about the motivations and circumstances that lead individuals to engage in conflict zones, especially later in life. As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the risks associated with foreign involvement continue to evolve, drawing individuals from diverse backgrounds into complex and dangerous situations.

The legal proceedings against Americans like Hubbard and Gilman serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of international relations and the often perilous conditions faced by those caught in the crossfire. The outcome of these cases may have lasting repercussions, not only for those directly involved but also for the broader landscape of U.S.-Russia relations moving forward.