Stephen Hubbard: Russian court sentences US citizen to six years in prison for fighting for Ukraine, state media reports

American Citizens Sentenced in Russia for Alleged Mercenary Activities

Published by CNN

A Moscow court sentenced American citizen Stephen Hubbard, 72, to six years and ten months in prison on Monday for allegedly fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, according to Russian state media TASS.

Hubbard, originally from Michigan, was accused of fighting against Russia for monetary compensation and pleaded guilty last month to charges of being a mercenary, reported Russian state media RIA Novosti.

“Yes, I agree with the charges,” Hubbard stated during his plea hearing at the Moscow City Court in September.

The trial and sentencing occurred behind closed doors, away from the public eye.

“RUSSIA’s prosecutor is LYING!!! Steve was never a mercenary. He was an English teacher teaching English in foreign countries!” his sister asserted in a Facebook post last month.

Earlier on the same day, another American citizen, former marine Robert Gilman, was sentenced to seven years and one month in a maximum-security penal colony for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers, according to RIA Novosti.

Gilman is currently serving time in a Russian prison after being sentenced in October 2022 to over four years for an attack on a police officer. His sentence was later reduced to 3.5 years.

Gilman’s latest sentencing, delivered in the Russian city of Voronezh, relates to accusations of assaulting a prison official and a state investigator.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Discussion Panel

To delve deeper into this situation, we have invited a panel of experts today:

• Dr. Natalia Alexandrov, International Relations Specialist
• Mr. Kevin Sweeney, Human Rights Lawyer
• Professor Mark Thompson, Political Scientist

Moderator: Let’s start with the implications of these sentences. Dr. Alexandrov, what do you think the international reaction will be towards Russia’s legal actions against foreign nationals?

Dr. Alexandrov: The international community has typically reacted strongly against such sentences. It raises significant concerns about the fairness of the legal process in Russia, particularly regarding foreign individuals involved in conflict zones.

Moderator: That’s an interesting point. Mr. Sweeney, how do you see cases like Hubbard’s affecting the perception of Americans abroad, especially in conflict areas?

Mr. Sweeney: These cases may lead to increased caution among Americans traveling or working in regions of conflict. It highlights the risks of being perceived as mercenaries which can have dire legal consequences under foreign laws.

Moderator: Professor Thompson, how does this situation reflect on the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Russia?

Professor Thompson: Such actions underscore ongoing tensions and the lack of diplomatic resolution. They serve as a reminder of how international law can be employed as a tool for political leverage.

Moderator: Thank you for your insights! Let’s open the floor for more questions. Dr. Alexandrov, do you have any thoughts on how the U.S. government might respond?

What do you think about the recent sentences handed down in Russia? Join the discussion in the comments below and share your thoughts!