Retired Michigan teacher released from Russian prison after four years
Face the Nation moderator and CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan has new reporting on what was happening behind the scenes.
WASHINGTON (CBS, KYMA) - A retired teacher from Michigan, wrongfully held prisoner in Russia for more than four years, headed home Wednesday night after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to his release.
When asked what the U.S. gave up in return, President Donald Trump said, "Nothing," as his top negotiator praised Putin as a "humanitarian."
A free Stephen Hubbard posed with U.S. officials on a flight out of Russia.
Hubbard had been sentenced to six years in a penal colony on accusations of being a Ukrainian mercenary, and the State Department called those fabricated charges.
"He's the happiest man around," President Trump shared.
Hubbard's son is Joseph Coleman, a Greek Orthodox priest.
"I want to embrace him as, you know, a son embraces his father. I want to personally assess his health and make sure he's well," Coleman expressed.
Envoy Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg, helped secure Hubbard's release and praised President Putin.
"You talk so much about my President, President Trump being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that, I commend you, and I thank you again," Witkoff spoke.
Putin is an indicted war criminal, Russia's invading military frequently bombs civilians, and this week, a Russian drone hit a park killing children.
Senators swiftly condemned that remark, calling Putin a "stone cold killer" who has "kidnapped and murdered Ukrainian children."
Trump claimed he simply asked putin during a call last week, the same day he decided to permit Russia to sell diesel fuel.
Days later, he also reversed Congress' decision to cut off the funds fueling Putin's war machine.
That coincided with a mysterious pause of Starlink and Starshield, satellite services used by the Ukraine for communication and drone operations.
CBS News learned that Elon Musk ordered the services curtailed.
Leading up to that order, he had multiple conversations with administration officials. Publicly, the president denies any role and Musk declined comment, and there are still Americans in prison in Russia.
To watch more of Brennan's coverage on this story, click here.
