Russian prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence for a 72-year-old U.S. citizen, Stephen Hubbard, who stands accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine against Russia. The prosecutors took into consideration Hubbard's age and his admission of guilt, urging the court to sentence him to a maximum-security penal colony.
In Russia, engaging in mercenary activities is a criminal offense that carries a punishment of 7-15 years of imprisonment. Hubbard is alleged to have signed a contract with the Ukrainian military following Russia's deployment of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, purportedly in exchange for at least $1,000.
According to reports, Hubbard underwent training, was provided with a personal firearm, and fought in the Ukrainian military as a mercenary until his detention by the Russian military in April 2022.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow acknowledged the reports of Hubbard's arrest but refrained from providing further comments due to privacy restrictions.
Russian courts have a high conviction rate, with more than 99% of defendants being found guilty. Prosecutors retain the right to appeal sentences they deem too lenient.
The arrest of Americans in Russia has become more frequent in recent years, leading to concerns that Russia may be targeting U.S. nationals for potential use as bargaining chips in negotiations involving the return of Russians convicted of crimes in the U.S. and Europe.
In August, the U.S. and Russia executed their largest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, involving 24 individuals and requiring extensive negotiations and concessions from European countries that released Russians in their custody as part of the exchange. Despite the swap, several U.S. citizens remain incarcerated in Russia.
