Trump explained why he refused to impose sanctions against Russia: "That’s what fools wanted"
US President Donald Trump has stated that he refused to impose sanctions on Russia in order to negotiate with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin regarding the release of American citizen Stephen Gabbard from a Russian prison.
The US leader made this statement whilst speaking to journalists alongside Stephen Gabbard, according to Censor.NET.
The reason for refusing to impose sanctions
According to Trump, some politicians demanded that he tighten sanctions against Moscow whilst he was trying to secure Hubbard’s release.
"Whilst I was conducting negotiations, some foolish people wanted me to impose sanctions against Russia," said the US president.
In his view, imposing sanctions during the negotiations could have hindered the American’s release.
"How would that have looked? Me talking to President Putin: ‘Mr President, I’d like to secure the return of Stephen Hubbard, and right now I’m imposing sanctions against you,’" said Trump.
- It should be recalled that on 21 October, Russia released retired American teacher Stephen Hubbard, who was taken prisoner by the Russian Federation in 2022. This followed a visit to St. Petersburg by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Who is Stephen Hubbard?
- A decade ago, Hubbard left the US, lived in Japan and Cyprus, and later settled in Izium, Ukraine. In 2022, he was taken captive by the Russian Federation.
- The Russians accused him of being a mercenary.
- In October 2024, a Moscow court found him guilty and sentenced him to 6 years and 10 months in a penal colony.
- According to US media reports, Hubbard was tortured in prison.
