US nearing deal with Russia to free multiple jailed Americans: Sources
Sources say the talks have centered on freeing Stephen Hubbard.
The Trump administration is closing in on a deal with Moscow that would see multiple Americans released from detention in Russia, two U.S. officials and another source familiar with the matter tell ABC News.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have been leading the negotiations, which are said to be in the final stages, according to the sources.
They add that the talks have centered on freeing Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old retired teacher who is the only American held in Russia officially designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department, as well as several other U.S. citizens held by Moscow on what the administration said it believes are dubious charges.
In this Oct. 7, 2024, file photo released by the Moscow City Court Press Service, Stephen Hubbard, a U.S. citizen accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine against Russia stands in a glass cage during a court session in Moscow.
Moscow City Court Press Service via AP
However, officials caution that while the terms of the arrangement are coming into focus, nothing has been finalized and it’s still possible it won’t materialize or that its scope will change.
News of the potential deal comes as Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow this week following his meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo, Norway, one official said.
On Monday, Trump spoke about his dealings with Russia, saying he was "trying to get a hostage that the country has been after for a long time," presumably referring to Hubbard.
"Let's see what happens," Trump said. "That'll be soon."
On Tuesday, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov was asked about a potential prisoner exchange between Russia and the U.S.
"Dialogue on all these issues is ongoing through intelligence service channels," he said.
Ryabkov added that Hubbard's name was "certainly familiar," but said he had "nothing to report" on the matter.
In this Jan. 10, 2022, file photo, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov looks on during a press conference following talks with US counterpart on soaring tensions over Ukraine, in Geneva.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
The White House declined to comment on the matter.
It's not clear what Russia might receive in exchange for releasing U.S. citizens. However, Trump has made multiple policy decisions viewed as favorable to Moscow in recent days, including waiving newly imposed sanctions targeting Russian officials and oligarchs mandated by a bill Trump signed into law last month after it passed by wide margins in Congress. Trump has also increased pressure on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian energy sites.
There are currently at least eight Americans in Russian custody.
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