Senators Renew Calls for Hostage’s Release
Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) marked Hostage Week 2026 by reiterating their demands for the release of Stephen Hubbard, an American from Idaho captured in eastern Ukraine and currently detained in Russia since the 2022 invasion.
In a statement to Breitbart News, the senators emphasized that “this Hostage Week, Americans across the country unite to send a message of unity to those unjustly detained around the world. We have not forgotten you, and we will never forget you.” They highlighted their concern for Hubbard, particularly noting his age and health issues.
The senators added, “This week in particular, we are thinking of Stephen Hubbard, who is being held without reason in a Russian prison.” They described him as being 74 years old and in declining health, with a supportive family awaiting his return in Idaho. They pledged to advocate for his release, including taking measures against Russia and others involved in hostage-taking.
According to them, “Through penalties under the Wrongful Detention Act, we will demonstrate to these countries that Americans cannot be manipulated overseas, used for hostage diplomacy, or used for other evil purposes. This practice must end.”
They also expressed gratitude to advocates who came to Washington during Hostage Week, stating, “We stand with you. We look forward to shaking hands with Mr. Hubbard and other illegal detainees on a happy future day when they are released, but until then we will continue our work.”
Earlier, Crapo remarked on social media that Hubbard was taken into custody in February 2025, sharing a message to emphasize the urgency of his situation. “Today is Stephen Hubbard’s 73rd birthday. Stephen is an American citizen wrongfully detained in Russia,” he noted, expressing hope for his return under determined leadership.
A report detailed Hubbard’s detention after Russian forces seized control of Izium in 2022. It included testimonies from former prisoners and family members about his treatment. Hubbard, a former English teacher with an extensive background living abroad, was accused by Russian authorities of serving as a mercenary, a claim rejected by his family and the U.S. government, which later declared him wrongfully detained.
Accounts from former prisoners indicated that Hubbard faced various abuses during his imprisonment, from mistreatment to serious health declines. His family reported that he had lost essential items, including glasses. The newspaper also shared that Hubbard was confirmed to be in the IK-12 penal colony in Mordovia, a region known for its harsh prison conditions.
Over time, Hubbard was able to regain minimal contact with his family, though they initially struggled with his location post-conviction. Messages exchanged earlier during the war depicted his challenges, including hearing explosions while teaching online, dealing with outages, and seeking refuge in a church while continuing his teaching efforts amidst the conflict.
