Russia to Secretly Try Elderly American Accused of Being a Ukrainian Mercenary, Reports Reuters

Moscow – A 72-year-old American man, accused by Russia of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine, will stand trial behind closed doors, with the verdict expected next Monday, according to Russian state media reports.

Stephen Hubbard faces allegations of signing a $1,000 per month contract with a Ukrainian territorial defense unit in Izyum in February 2022. He was captured by Russian forces in April of the same year and could face a prison sentence ranging from seven to 15 years if found guilty.

The judge reportedly accepted a prosecutor’s request to keep the trial proceedings confidential in order to protect the participants’ safety. The reasons behind the prosecutor’s belief that an open trial could pose risks were not disclosed.

It is also reported that Hubbard supported the decision for a closed trial, expressing his desire to avoid the presence of outsiders. Furthermore, previous reports indicated that he had pleaded guilty to the charges against him. According to another state media outlet, the verdict is anticipated on October 7.

A spokesperson from the U.S. embassy stated, "We are aware of reports regarding the arrest of an American citizen. However, due to privacy regulations, we cannot provide further comments."

Prosecutors allege that Hubbard received training, weapons, and ammunition upon signing up with the defense unit. His sister, Patricia Fox, along with another family member, has raised doubts about his purported confession, arguing that he held pro-Russian views and was unlikely to engage in combat at his age.

Fox emphasized, "He never had a gun, owned a gun, or had any involvement in that… He’s more of a pacifist."

Hubbard is among at least ten American nationals currently imprisoned in Russia, following a recent prisoner swap between Moscow and the West, which on August 1 freed 24 individuals, including three Americans.