On October 21, President Donald Trump said on X that Russian President Vladimir Putin released Stephen Hubbard at his request following a phone call last week.

In his post, Trump asserted that Hubbard was “taken four years ago by Russia during the Biden Administration” and was “just released from prison” after Trump made a direct request to Putin. He added that “Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family.”

Trump further claimed that “The United States, out of respect for President Trump, was not required to give anything in return — an unprecedented situation for Russia,” and that “There was no ‘swap’ necessary for this release.”

He criticized the Biden Administration, saying the “major return should have taken place long ago,” and that it “got nowhere in its negotiations with the Kremlin.” Trump concluded with a welcome message: “Welcome home Stephen, it’s great to have you back.”