However, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Mr Putin had freed Hubbard, 74, at President Trump’s request, and that he had also taken into account the American’s poor health.
President Trump later confirmed he had asked Mr Putin on a call in recent days, and the Russian leader agreed.
Mr Witkoff told Mr Putin in the meeting shown on Russian state TV. “The president sends his thanks, our whole nation sends their thanks, because of Stephen Hubbard…Because of you he’s going home to his family.”
President Trump told reporters late Wednesday that Mr Hubbard had landed and would be visiting the White House “over the next day or so.”
