Russia has freed American Stephen Hubbard, who was convicted of being a mercenary for Ukraine but denies the claim. The 74-year-old has been in prison for four years since his arrest in 2022.
NewsFeed
Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard after 4 years behind bars
US citizen Stephen Hubbard has been freed from a Russian prison, four years after being convicted of being a mercenary for Ukraine, a claim he denies. The 74-year-old’s release coincided with US envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Russia to try and get Moscow to rejoin peace talks.
Published On 22 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia has indefinitely postponed the United Nations Global Data Forum, the Second Saudi Statistical Forum, and the in-person segment of the Future Investment Initiative, originally scheduled for 2023 and 2024, respectively, due to the escalation in fighting with Yemen's Houthis. The postponement is expected to have an impact on international cooperation and economic discussions.
Air Marshal Tony Davies, the head of New Zealand's military, has resigned over an "inappropriate relationship" he had while in charge of a unit. Davies, who is also the head of the air force, has taken responsibility for the errors of judgement he made in the past, which he says were contrary to the values of the Defence Force. The Defence Minister has said that the circumstances around the resignation would come as a "great disappointment" to many in the armed forces.
No major changes are expected at the PAP internal election, with newly promoted ministers set to take their first steps into the party’s innermost circle. Following a July Cabinet reshuffle, this weekend could see the party’s next generation start to take up some of its reins. The PAP’s performance in the 2025 general election, where it won with 65.57% of the vote, gives little impetus for change.