Russia/ Ukraine/ American sentenced/ Stephen Hubbard/ Robert Gilman/ U.S.-Russia relations/ mercenary charges/ Newslooks/ MOSCOW/ A Russian court sentenced 72-year-old American Stephen Hubbard to nearly seven years for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Hubbard, who reportedly joined the Ukrainian military, is the first American convicted on these charges in Russia. Another American, Robert Gilman, was also sentenced in a separate trial.
American Sentenced in Russia for Fighting in Ukraine: Quick Looks
- Stephen Hubbard’s Sentence: 72-year-old sentenced to 6 years, 10 months in Russia for alleged mercenary activity.
- Allegations: Prosecutors claim Hubbard fought with Ukrainian forces following Russia’s 2022 invasion.
- Leniency for Age: Prosecutors recommended a general-security prison due to his age and admission of guilt.
- Separate U.S. Conviction: American Robert Gilman received an additional seven-year sentence for assaulting Russian officers.
- Political Tensions: Arrests of U.S. citizens in Russia raise concerns about potential diplomatic bargaining.
72-Year-Old American Sentenced in Russia for Fighting in Ukraine
Deep Look
On Monday, a Russian court sentenced 72-year-old American citizen Stephen Hubbard to six years and 10 months in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. The closed trial marks the first known conviction of an American on mercenary charges linked to the Ukrainian conflict. Hubbard, originally from Michigan, faced accusations of joining Ukraine’s military forces in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion.
According to Russian prosecutors, Hubbard signed a contract to support the Ukrainian military, participating in combat until his capture two months after Russia’s incursion. Hubbard was sentenced to a general-security prison, a less severe sentence than the 15 years initially possible under the charges. Prosecutors cited his age and his admission of guilt as reasons for the lighter sentence.
Rising Arrests of Americans in Russia
Hubbard’s case reflects growing concerns over Americans’ arrests in Russia, with some suggesting that U.S. nationals are increasingly targeted to be used as leverage in diplomatic exchanges. These cases have intensified in recent years, especially amid heightened tensions between Russia and the United States.
The U.S. and Russia recently completed their largest prisoner exchange since the end of the Soviet Union, involving 24 individuals, in a complex negotiation that required concessions from European allies who released Russians from custody as part of the deal. Despite this significant exchange, several Americans remain in Russian prisons, their cases potentially complicated by the broader political landscape.
Another American Sentenced on Separate Charges
On the same day, a Russian court in Voronezh sentenced American Robert Gilman to an additional seven years and one month for assaulting law enforcement officers during an ongoing prison term. Originally arrested in 2022 for disturbing the peace on a passenger train while intoxicated, Gilman faced a 3 1/2-year sentence for assaulting a police officer during the initial arrest.
According to Russian state news agency RIA-Novosti, Gilman further aggravated his sentence after allegedly assaulting a prison inspector and later an official from Russia’s Investigative Committee during a cell check last year. His actions led to additional charges and the new sentence.
U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Concerns
These recent convictions have fueled concerns about Russia’s treatment of U.S. nationals. Some analysts suggest that Russia may be attempting to use these cases as leverage for potential future prisoner swaps with the United States. Russia’s recent actions have left U.S. officials and human rights advocates wary, as the ongoing geopolitical tensions seem to be influencing the handling of American detainees in Russian prisons.
In response, the U.S. government continues to monitor the situation, navigating diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad. Meanwhile, Russia’s actions highlight the complexities of the current international political climate, as such cases add to the broader, contentious relationship between the two nations.
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