Trump Praises Russia’s Release of U.S. Teacher Amid Diplomatic Tour

President Donald Trump praised Russia for freeing American teacher Stephen Hubbard, saying the United States owed nothing in return and that the gesture was made out of respect for him. The claim was made during a live briefing as Trump’s special envoy prepared to convey proposals discussed in recent European talks.

The remarks came as real‑estate developer Steve Witkoff met Russian officials in St. Petersburg, following a day of meetings in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The Oslo discussions included a proposal for a trilateral summit involving Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump to negotiate a lasting settlement.

Trump’s team indicated that the envoy would relay the Oslo proposals to Moscow, emphasizing the push for a high‑level summit as a pathway to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Why It Matters

The release of an American citizen and the prospect of a high‑level summit could influence U.S. diplomatic leverage in the Ukraine conflict and affect transatlantic relations.