72-Year-Old American Sentenced by Russia
A 72-year-old American has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for fighting as a mercenary alongside the Ukrainian army.
Stephen Hubbard was accused of joining a defense unit in the city of Izyum in February 2022, earning a salary of $1,000 per month.
The American mercenary was captured two months later, but how he was brought to Moscow remains unclear. After a closed-door trial, local journalists were allowed in to hear the verdict.
Stephen Hubbard, from Michigan, entered the courtroom limping and appeared frail.
According to the prosecutor handling the case, Stephen Hubbard received weapons training before joining the ranks of the Ukrainian army.
At least ten American citizens, including Stephen Hubbard, are currently imprisoned in Russia.
"We are aware of reports of the arrest and prosecution of an American citizen. Due to privacy restrictions we are unable to comment any further," said a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy.
(QG - Source : Sky News / Picture: © Unsplash)