In Russia, a 72-year-old American is tried due to the war in Ukraine – AP.

Prosecutors in Russia are demanding a seven-year prison sentence for a U.S. citizen accused of "mercenary activities". 72-year-old Steven Hubbard has pleaded guilty and faces a term in a high-security prison.

According to prosecutors, Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the full-scale war began on February 24, 2022, for which he was promised at least $1000.

In Russia, involvement in "mercenary activities" is a criminal offense, punishable by 7 to 15 years of imprisonment. Hubbard was trained, had personal weapons, and fought with the Ukrainian armed forces until April 2022, when he was captured by Russian occupiers.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow confirmed it received information about the arrest of the U.S. citizen but is not authorized to comment on the situation due to privacy. Russian courts deliver guilty verdicts in more than 99% of cases, and prosecutors are allowed to appeal sentences they consider too lenient.

Concerns over arrests of Americans in Russia

In recent years, arrests of Americans in Russia have become more common. There is concern that Russia may deliberately arrest U.S. citizens to use them as bargaining chips in negotiations for the release of Russians convicted of crimes in the U.S. and Europe, according to media reports.

Previously, Russian authorities arrested journalists Sergey Karelin and Konstantin Gabov, who worked for Reuters and the Associated Press, accusing them of collaborating with Alexei Navalny's team.