WorldVOA Chinese broadcast: Russia releases Hubbard; Rubio says US aid is vital to Ukraine’s sovereignty

Russia released retired American teacher Stephen Hubbard on October 21 after holding him for more than four years on accusations that he served as a mercenary for Ukraine’s military. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ukraine could not exist today as a sovereign state without billions of dollars in continued US aid. After US envoys met separately with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, the three countries agreed to technical-level talks. The US has revoked more than 300,000 visas since Trump took office, some over alleged involvement in or assistance with “birth tourism.”

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