A complicated international case unfolds as an elderly American finds himself entangled in Russia's legal system.
Breitbart News reported that Stephen James Hubbard, a 72-year-old U.S. citizen, has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison by a Russian court. The charges against Hubbard stem from allegations that he assisted in defending Ukraine against the Russian invasion, a claim his family vehemently denies.
According to Russian prosecutors, Hubbard joined a defense unit in Izyum, an eastern Ukrainian city, immediately following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They assert that he received monthly compensation of approximately $1,000 for his services and was equipped and trained by the Ukrainian military.
Hubbard's sister, Trisha Hubbard Fox, has been vocal in challenging the accusations against her brother. She maintains that the case is fabricated and that Hubbard was never involved as a mercenary.
Fox stated on social media:
Russia's prosecutor is lying! Steve was never a mercenary. He was an English teacher teaching English in foreign countries!
Family members have provided additional context, explaining that Hubbard had been living in Ukraine on a modest pension of about $300 per month. They emphasize that he did not speak Russian or Ukrainian, which would have made it difficult for him to serve in a military capacity.
The circumstances of Hubbard's detention and subsequent trial raise several questions. Russian authorities captured Hubbard in April 2022 when they took control of Izyum. However, he was held for over two years before facing trial, a delay that has not been explained by the Russian government.
Hubbard's physical condition during court appearances has also drawn attention. His sister noted that he appeared frail and struggled to stand, further casting doubt on claims of his involvement in military activities.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry has largely refrained from commenting on Hubbard's case, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The Biden administration has expressed frustration with Russia's handling of the case. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted the lack of consular access granted to Hubbard, a violation of standard diplomatic protocols.
Miller stated during a press briefing:
We have limited information available about this case because Russia has refused to grant consular access. I'll say a couple things about the case, though. The individual is 72 years old, has been held in prison for two years. He was arrested in Ukraine, not in Russia.
The State Department's limited knowledge of the case and inability to access Hubbard has hampered efforts to provide assistance or verify the charges against him.
The case of Stephen James Hubbard, a 72-year-old American sentenced to nearly seven years in prison by a Russian court, has drawn international attention. Accused of serving as a mercenary in Ukraine, Hubbard's family disputes these claims, asserting he was an English teacher living on a modest pension. The U.S. government has expressed concern over Russia's refusal to grant consular access, further complicating this already complex international incident.
