President Donald Trump claims that the U.S. "gave nothing in exchange" for Moscow's release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard , but his administration has made several moves seen as highly advantageous to Russia in recent weeks -- drawing backlash from members of his own party and fueling a dynamic some hostage advocates and officials fear could set a dangerous precedent.

The State Department determined in January 2025 that Hubbard, a retired teacher who was captured by Russian forces in Ukraine and accused of acting as a mercenary for the country, was wrongfully detained, declaring that the allegations against him were fabricated.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff meets with Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired U.S. schoolteacher who was freed after serving a prison sentence in Russia following his conviction on mercenary charges, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Oct.…