Russian court sentences 72-year-old American to prison for taking part in the war in Ukraine

Moscow: A 72-year-old American was forced to take part in the war in Ukraine. A Russian court on Monday sentenced a 72-year-old American to nearly seven years in prison for fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. Prosecutors said U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard signed a contract with Ukrainian forces after Russia sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022 and fought with them until he was captured two months later.

Hubbard was sentenced to six years and 10 months in a normal-security prison. The prosecution had sought a sentence of seven years in a maximum security prison. Hubbard, a native of Michigan, is the first American to be convicted of fighting as a mercenary in the Ukrainian conflict.

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what did america say

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said he had limited information about the case because Russia has declined embassy assistance. “We are disappointed, as we often are, when they refuse embassy help,” Miller told reporters in Washington.

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It is their responsibility to provide this help and we will continue to press for it. We are looking at the matter very closely and considering our next steps. Russian news reports said the charges against Hubbard could have brought him up to 15 years in prison, but prosecutors said his age should be taken into account as well as his crime. (agency)