Russia Puts 72-Year-Old American on Trial for Alleged Mercenary Activities for Ukraine, Reports Reuters

A Moscow court has started examining a criminal case involving a 72-year-old American accused of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine, according to reports from Russia’s state news agency.

The individual, named Stephen James Hubbard, has been placed in pre-trial detention for six months. Reports indicate that Hubbard received $1,000 after signing a contract with a Ukrainian territorial defense unit in Izyum in February 2022. He was captured by Russian forces the following April.

A representative from the U.S. embassy in Moscow confirmed awareness of the detention of an American citizen but did not provide further details. The Ukrainian foreign ministry has not responded to requests for comments.

As of now, there has been no immediate contact with a lawyer representing Hubbard. In Russia, charges of mercenary activity can result in prison sentences ranging from seven to 15 years. Hubbard’s next court hearing is set for October 3, as noted on the court’s official notifications.

Hubbard, originally from Michigan, moved to Ukraine in 2014, where he reportedly resided with a partner for some time. A woman claiming to be his sister posted in a public social media group that her brother was “kidnapped in Ukraine” nearly three years ago, though she has not been available for additional comment.

Hubbard is now among at least nine Americans currently incarcerated in Russia. Recently, a Moscow court also denied an appeal from another detained American, Joseph Tater, who is facing charges for allegedly assaulting a Russian police officer.