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

https://mins.news/en/video/110370

- VOA Chinese, 2026-10-22 00:37 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxfIHwB3Khk

> 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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