Rosalind Evans
A Moscow court sentenced American citizen Stephen Hubbard, 72, to six years and ten months in prison for allegedly serving as a mercenary for Ukraine, Russian state media TASS reported. Hubbard, originally from Michigan, was accused of fighting against Russian forces for monetary gain and had pleaded guilty to the charges last month. His trial and sentencing took place behind closed doors, raising questions and concerns from his family.
Allegations of Mercenary Activities
Russian authorities claim that Hubbard fought in the strategic city of Izyum in Ukraine after signing a contract for approximately $1,000 per month. Russian forces detained him in April 2022. According to Russian state media RIA Novosti, Hubbard admitted to the charges during his September plea hearing, stating, “Yes, I agree with the charges.” The prosecution argued that he had joined Ukrainian forces with the intent of earning money as a mercenary.
Family Disputes Confession
Hubbard’s family has cast doubt on the legitimacy of his confession and the charges against him. His sister, Trisha Hubbard Fox, expressed skepticism in an interview with Reuters, stating, “He never had a gun, owned a gun, done any of that… He’s more of a pacifist.” Fox added her frustration and disbelief in a Facebook post, writing, “RUSSIA’s prosecutor is LYING!!! Steve was never a mercenary. He was an English teacher teaching English in foreign countries!” Her statements suggest that Hubbard’s admission may have been coerced or made under duress.
Other Cases of American Detention
On the same day, Russian courts also sentenced another American citizen, Robert Gilman, a former marine, to seven years and one month in a maximum-security penal colony for assaulting law enforcement officers. Gilman’s latest sentence follows an earlier conviction in October 2022 for an attack on a police officer, which was later reduced to three and a half years. This new sentencing relates to allegations of an assault against a prison official and a state investigator in the city of Voronezh.
US Response and Privacy Concerns
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow acknowledged the detentions of Stephen Hubbard and Robert Gilman but refrained from providing detailed comments. A spokesperson stated, “The Embassy is aware of the detention of two American citizens but declined to comment further, citing privacy concerns.” The lack of transparency surrounding these cases and the closed-door nature of Hubbard’s trial have led to concerns over due process and the treatment of American citizens in Russia.
A Case Shrouded in Controversy
Stephen Hubbard’s imprisonment and Robert Gilman’s extended sentence reflect the tense relationship between the United States and Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Hubbard’s family continues to dispute the narrative provided by Russian authorities, raising questions about the fairness of his trial. As these legal battles unfold, the diplomatic challenges between the two countries remain evident, with the fate of both detained Americans uncertain.
