President Donald Trump of the United States once again labeled those advocating for fresh sanctions against Russia as "foolish" while he was in talks with Vladimir Putin to secure the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard. Hubbard was freed on October 21 after spending more than four years in a Russian prison.
During a meeting with Hubbard in the Oval Office, Trump defended his stance against imposing new sanctions on Moscow, arguing that such actions would have derailed negotiations with the Russian leader. These remarks were captured in a video released by NEXTA and the meeting's transcript.
"Foolish people wanted me to sanction Russia while I was negotiating for you. If I had done that, your children would have thought it was wrong," Trump remarked when questioned by a journalist about the possibility of lifting sanctions on a Russian sovereign fund.
Hubbard chimed in, stating that the Russians "laugh at the sanctions," a sentiment that Trump quickly echoed. The President illustrated his point with a hypothetical conversation with Putin: "I'd like to get Stephen Hubbard back, Mr. President. And by the way, we're sanctioning you right now. Can you imagine?"
Trump had defended this perspective back on October 21 when he announced Hubbard's release, maintaining that implementing sanctions during the negotiations would have hindered his release.
On that day, Trump also had a tense exchange with CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins, who questioned how he could claim that the U.S. gave nothing to Russia in return for Hubbard’s release when, at the same time, new sanctions were put on hold. Trump dismissed her question with insults, calling her "dumb" and questioning her intelligence.
Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran from Michigan, was detained by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine in April 2022. In a closed-door trial, he was sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison on charges of allegedly fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine—accusations denied by his family and attorneys, with Washington deeming him unlawfully detained.
His release, announced on October 21, coincided with a visit by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to St. Petersburg for talks with Putin. The Kremlin stated that the Russian President had granted a pardon for humanitarian reasons, while Trump insisted there were no prisoner swaps or concessions involved in Hubbard’s freedom.
In the White House meeting, Trump commented that Hubbard had been treated "reasonably well" during his imprisonment. The former prisoner acknowledged that some guards treated him "kindly," though he admitted he doubted he could have survived another year behind bars.
Shifting U.S. Policies Toward Russia
These statements come amid ongoing controversies regarding Washington's policy toward Moscow. In September, Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Act of Sanctions Against Russia and Iran, which passed with broad bipartisan support in Congress. This legislation includes severe economic sanctions and tariffs of up to 500% on Russian products and a 100% levy on certain countries linked to the purchase of Russian energy or sanctions evasion.
However, on October 16, just a month after signing the law, Trump issued an executive order suspending the enforcement of numerous provisions, citing "national interest." Although this decision did not remove previous U.S. sanctions against Russia, it nullified many of the new measures approved by Congress.
This legislation bears the name of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11. He was a prominent advocate for sanctions against Moscow and a staunch supporter of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
In addition to this, the Treasury Department issued a license on October 9 that permits certain sales, transportation, and importation of Russian diesel, including its entry into the United States, until April 7, 2027. This move accompanied an agreement announced by Trump with Putin to facilitate the supply of this fuel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized this energy rapprochement to Moscow, warning that it would be a "historic mistake" to align the U.S. with Russia while the invasion of Ukraine continues.
In the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that his personal negotiations with Putin were crucial in securing Hubbard's release. The American expressed his gratitude for these efforts, recounting that he only truly believed he would regain his freedom when he was taken from prison and transported to St. Petersburg.
Understanding Trump's Stance on Russia Sanctions
Why did Trump oppose new sanctions on Russia during negotiations?
Trump believed that imposing new sanctions would disrupt the negotiations with Putin to release Stephen Hubbard, potentially jeopardizing his freedom.
What was the Lindsey O. Graham Act of Sanctions Against Russia and Iran?
The act, supported by both parties in Congress, imposed strict economic sanctions and tariffs on Russian products and certain countries involved with Russian energy, intended to pressure Moscow and Tehran.
How did Trump's executive order affect the new sanctions?
Trump's executive order suspended many of the new sanctions outlined in the Lindsey O. Graham Act, though it did not remove existing U.S. sanctions against Russia.
What was the response from Ukraine regarding Trump's actions?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the U.S. energy rapprochement with Russia, considering it a mistake while Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.