The story of Stephen Hubbard reflects that he is a rather unusual fellow of considerable travel.  The 74-year-old American was released from Russian prison on humanitarian grounds following requests by the U.S. government, state department and President Trump himself.

Stephen Hubbard was a former schoolteacher who taught English in Japan, retired then went to Cyprus where he met a Ukrainian woman Inna and eventually moved to the eastern Ukraine city of Izyum.  After the Russian Federation took control of Izyum, Hubbard was accused of engaging in Mercenary activity saying he manned a Ukraine checkpoint during the conflict. {source}

In April 2022 Hubbard was arrested.  He was convicted by a Moscow court in October 2024 and sentenced to six years and 10 months in prison.  Yesterday he received a pardon from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he was released on humanitarian grounds as the Trump administration was negotiating a peace settlement.

STEVE WITKOFF -“Today, Stephen Hubbard is free and headed back home to his family.

Stephen is a proud American citizen, retired teacher, and U.S. Air Force veteran who loves our country.

Now, he is on his way back to a family who loves him, a President who never gave up on him, and a nation that proudly welcomes him home.

It was my honor to be with Stephen in St. Petersburg today before he departed for the United States. President Trump called Stephen to check on him and reaffirm his unwavering commitment to bringing all Americans wrongfully detained home.

Stephen joins more than 110 Americans who [President Trump] has freed since returning to office, including Robert Gilman, Ksenia Karelina, and Marc Fogel.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivers remarks to the media from Mumbai, India.  During the remarks Secretary Rubio answers questions about Starlink, Starshield, Elon Musk, Steve Witkoff, Ukraine negotiations, Russia, Iran, India and current geopolitical events.

The video and transcript are below:

[Transcript] – SECRETARY RUBIO:  What’s up?  All right, let’s go.

QUESTION:  Sir, The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk is the one who made the decision to throttle Starshield and catch Ukraine off-guard.  Is this something you were aware of?  Can you —

SECRETARY RUBIO:  Starlink.

QUESTION:  Starlink and Starshield.

SECRETARY RUBIO:  Okay, again, there’s this – all this confusion.  These are two separate programs, okay?  Starlink is a commercial – Starlink is the receivers you put on the roof of your house and you use for – it’s used for commercial purposes.  It’s not a military system, although it could be used in order to guide drones and things of this nature and so forth.  And then Starshield is different.  It’s a unique defense product that is sold and operated through the Department of War, as an example.  It’s two different items and it’s important to distinguish one from the other.

I have not seen The Wall Street Journal reporting because I have not read it.  I know that what – so I’m not familiar with the story that you’re referring to.  But Starlink is a private company.  They have a contract.  They have contractual terms upon how that technology can be used.  The important point is we cannot direct a private company as to the decisions they make or not make.  What I can tell you with certainty is the President of the United States nor anyone in our system ever requested that any changes to that system be made, and that’s what we said repeatedly.  I don’t know what the story reflects, but that is the case.

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This is a very interesting public presser from Ukraine President Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and a subdued Finnish President Alexander Stubb.  This press event follows President Trump Emissary Steve Witkoff meeting with Zelenskyy, Stoere and Stubb.

Steve Witkoff leaves Norway and is going to St Petersburg to meet with Russian Federation Vladimir Putin tomorrow.

When asked why Witkoff was not present {10:00}, the host PM Jonas Stoere says, “this is a press conference among political leaders,” and then quickly moves on.  Both Stoere and Stubb are very subdued from their prior public statements that put themselves in opposition to the U.S. Trump administration and now suddenly reverse and say it is important for them to remain engaged with the USA effort and for all EU nations to support discussions with Russia.

Following Stubb {@13:00} Zelenskyy notes that Witkoff traveling to meet with Putin tomorrow is very important, and he is very happy that “early warning systems” are working and “it’s great.”  Zelenskyy repeated referenced the call with Secretary Marco Rubio in outlining a shift in tone that is suddenly very appreciative of the USA support.  A very curious shift.  WATCH:

As previously noted, there is an early plan for China (Xi), Russia (Putin) and the USA (Trump) to meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit next month in China.  Little man Zelenskyy clarifies his prior comments about a trilateral meeting by saying that his comments were directed to a possible U.S, Russia, Ukraine trilateral meeting and not the APEC sideline.

At 16:00 Peter Baker (NYT) obviously notes the tone change visible in this presser and asks about what is going on?  Baker was taken aback when Zelenskyy, Stubb and Stoere affirm the positive and constructive meeting with Steve Witkoff, and “there is nothing to gain” by looking at things said yesterday, said Stoere.

Finland President Stubb joins with very complimentary statements of Steve Witkoff affirming his belief this meeting has clarified a lot of issues that now lead toward peace.   “Today was a big success” Stubb emphasized as the press conference concludes.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio answers questions from media while visiting India.  The major focus of the questions to Rubio surrounded Ukraine and the conflicting stories from Zelenskyy.

Secretary Rubio noted he had just completed a 45-minute phone call with Zelenskyy where Rubio talked to the Ukraine President about his continued promotion of false reports to media about U.S. support and assistance.  As noted, Rubio emphasized nothing substantive has changed in the U.S. support profile with Ukraine and President Trump has not modified any security arrangement at all.  Zelenskyy is just making stuff up.

Rubio noted that Ukraine is targeting U.S. commercial shipping in the Black Sea and that has to stop. That was part of the phone call.  Additionally, Rubio emphasized how Ukraine officials are just “making stuff up” for some reason, that can best be considered a Ukraine political operation against the Trump White House.  WATCH:

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Again, there are multiple dynamics unfolding inside this story.  However, as to the central component of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy complaining about hampered access to Starlink and/or Starshield, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sets the record straight.

Ukraine has never had access to the U.S. military version of Starshield; providing that level of guidance access would be akin to the United States being in direct conflict with Russia using a proprietary U.S. military system. This is not our circus and not our war; there is no need for U.S. military conflict with Russia.

Because Ukraine does not have that access, it is now revealed that Zelenskyy has been using Starlink, a commercially available satellite system – but that system is not permitted by SpaceX to be used for military efforts.  This is almost certainly where the relationship between Elon Musk and former Ukraine Defense Minister Michael Fedorov comes into play. Fedorov is no longer in the Ukraine govt.   WATCH:

Rubio notes that Zelenskyy’s claims against the White House are nonsense.  The White House has not interfered or instructed the military about the use of Starshield because Ukraine has never had Starshield to use.  If Ukraine has been violating the terms of service by weaponizing Starlink (they have) then the commercial provider can act independently to block or stop that access. [Full Transcript Below]

In the background of this storyline, we should always remember that about a month ago Russia finalized their own upgraded satellite system that covers Russia and eastern Europe.  It is widely suspected the increased accuracy of Russian targeting inside Ukraine is specifically because of their own enhanced capabilities, which now highlights the vulnerability of Ukraine if they do not have weaponize their Starlink access and the new desperation therein.

Bottom line, Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues to highlight his mastery of cutting through the nonsense and staying focused on the priorities of the administration with messaging that cuts through the media chafe.  Rubio excels in this role far beyond prior expectations. Very impressive.

On the topic of his travel to the “stans”, watch carefully. This is connected to the overall Russia/Central Asia agenda.

Transcript Below:

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President Trump eviscerated Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during remarks to the media earlier today.  Within hours, Zelenskyy ran to ABC news for support. Zelenskyy will be on American television Sunday at the request and instruction of his handlers.

Furious about Zelenskyy’s arrogance at undermining U.S. energy interests by targeting Russian energy export hubs, President Trump pointed out that it is duplicitous Zelenskyy who is the impediment to any negotiated peace agreement or ceasefire.

“We told Zelensky, ‘You can do whatever you want to Russia, but don’t hit the refineries because that’s a world problem.’ And what does he do? He goes and hits the diesel fuel. He better damn well stop.” …”I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal, because he could have made many deals that for some reason, he NEVER does.” “That’s a war that should have never started. And I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”

[SOURCE]

1. In his own words Vladimir Putin explains why EU-NATO must have an expanded war with Russia. It has nothing to do with political ideology, and everything to do with control of money (energy price-fixing). [SEE HERE]

2. Understand how the western control of the “market price” of commodities is used to manipulate political outcomes. This ties directly into the first article about why London must control the money and combat Russia.  In this second article three weeks ago, CTH outlined a very predictable path that was most likely. The Trump-Putin strategic alliance on diesel exports is EXACTLY what we expected and predicted to happen. [SEE HERE]

3. When you combine what Putin has said with the strategic agreement with Trump now in place you can then move forward and clearly see how Lukoil is going to end up being a wedge to drive out London financial influence and free the USA from this corrupt market control system. [SEE HERE]

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The Trump administration has imposed sweeping new sanctions on the International Criminal Court in an effort to dismantle the tribunal that President Trump, Secretary Rubio and congress believes has become politicized and attempted to unfairly and illegally prosecute Americans and Israelis on war crimes charges.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions Friday, after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African prosecutor Navi Pillay, a former judge at the ICC and other international courts. The ICC is based in the Netherlands, an EU and NATO member. Secretary Rubio made the announcement:

(VIA MSM) – […] US sanctions typically bar all US-based companies from any work with a sanctioned organization, forcing banks to shut accounts, insurers to end coverage and software companies to halt cooperation.

The Trump administration previously imposed targeted sanctions on court officials during his first term, which were rescinded under President Joe Biden. Washington announced new sanctions just days after Trump returned to office in January 2025.

[…] Court officials have been preparing for months for the prospect of sanctions on the court itself, shifting office computers from Microsoft software to open source equivalents and making new arrangements for banking and health insurance.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Portugal on the third stop of his NATO alliance tour.  Portugal is very strategic and holds as strong intelligence network through its well-regarded diplomatic corps. [Listen to what Rubio says about the narcotrafficking operation that Portugal and the USA conduct together.]

Secretary Rubio held a press conference with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel. Video and Transcript below: 

[Transcript] FOREIGN MINISTER RANGEL:  Welcome to Lisbon, Secretary Marco Rubio.

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Secretary Marco Rubio was heading to Portugal when he gave a brief tarmac presser to the traveling pool of media narrative stenographers.  One of the questions surrounded {THIS STORY} about Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jrs former girlfriend and current ambassador to Greece.  WATCH:

From what I am able to determine, the State Dept has actually opened an internal investigation and review of Ambassador Guilfoyle’s conduct while in her post.  That said, Rubio is correct in that it is impossible to answer questions about something just written by media for the purpose of questioning Rubio.   The media is working overtime trying to frame narratives in advance of the 2026 midterm election.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a press conference with Giorgos Gerapetritis, the Greek Foreign Minister earlier today. Rubio is on a three-nation strategic alliance tour of Iceland, Greece and Portugal.

The video and transcript of the press remarks and questions are below.

[Transcript] – SECRETARY RUBIO:  Thank you.  Thank you for your welcome.  It’s actually great to be here to have our sixth Strategic Dialogue, which is ongoing, and we’ve begun downstairs a few minutes ago.  It’s an event where our two countries commit to continue to work together on a range of issues.

We are two countries that are bound by a common heritage and by proud histories.  The United States and Greece share a long history of friendship and partnership and alliance.  In fact, the importance of this historical alliance is highlighted by the instability in the world today that we see as a result of conflicts in Hormuz with Iran, or the conflicts in the Red Sea with – in Yemen, or the conflicts in Ukraine and Russia.  As you see a world that faces these destabilizing events, you recognize how important this alliance with Greece is to the United States.

It’s both historic – historical in its foundation, but it is also critical.  It is a source of stability in an unstable world.  And I’m thankful – we’re thankful – that Greece remains a great ally and that we share a common understanding – this is really important – not just a great ally – we share a common understanding of the threats that face our countries, the face – the threat – that face our societies.  And we share a common understanding about the means to address them.

One thing we agree on, for example, is that the nations of Europe need to take on a greater share of the burden in defending their continent, and Greece is doing just that.  They’re on track to meet the commitments that have been made to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense this year, with over 3.5 of that – of their GDP – percent of GDP being spent on core defense.  They’re also joining the National Guard’s Bureau of State Partnership Program, and they’ll be paired, ironically enough, with the Florida National Guard, which will bring our military collaboration even closer.

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