Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico framed Bratislava's renewed outreach to both Moscow and Kyiv as part of Slovakia's foreign policy toward all four cardinal directions.

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Ukraine should continue striking Russian energy infrastructure despite US pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin told US special envoy Steve Witkoff on October 21, 2026 that Russia is willing in principle to resume trilateral talks next month with Ukraine and the US

Prior to his release, Stephen Hubbard was the only U.S. citizen imprisoned in Russia whom the U.S. State Department official designated as wrongfully detained

At least five American citizens remain imprisoned in Russia following Stephen Hubbard's release, according to Eric Lebson of the advocacy organization Global Reach

Russian authorities released 74-year-old retired Michigan schoolteacher Stephen Hubbard from detention on October 21, 2026, transferring him to Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated it is vital to freeze active fighting, enter diplomacy, and reach an agreement that includes security guarantees

Russian prosecutors alleged Stephen Hubbard joined a Ukrainian territorial defense unit for $1,000 per month, while his family and U.S. officials maintained the mercenary charges were fabricated

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for nearly three hours at Constantine Palace in Saint Petersburg on October 21, 2026

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on October 21, 2026, to oversee Stephen Hubbard's release and discuss resuming trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated proposed new round of talks should focus on establishing a security system for Russia and Ukraine following the end of the conflict in Ukraine

Trilateral peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not occurred since February 2026

Russian authorities arrested Stephen Hubbard in April 2022 in Izyum, Ukraine, later sentencing him in October 2024 to nearly seven years in prison for alleged mercenary activity

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed support for trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia, noting it would be preferable to include European nations

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Oslo on October 21, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. was not required to give anything in return or perform a prisoner swap to secure Stephen Hubbard's release from Russia

Stephen Hubbard's sister, Patricia Hubbard Fox, stated that Hubbard will be flown to a military base in San Antonio, Texas, for medical evaluation following his release

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Vladimir Putin freed Stephen Hubbard at Donald Trump's request and out of consideration for Hubbard's health

Americans remaining in Russian custody include Andre Khachatoorian, David Barnes, Aleksander Antonov, Olga Jezler, and Chuck Zimmerman on various charges disputed by supporters

Ukrainian officials accused the U.S. of limiting intelligence sharing on incoming Russian missiles, slowing down Starlink services, and delaying weapon supplies

Steve Witkoff traveled to St. Petersburg after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Oslo