Trump Calls Supporters of Russia Sanctions 'Stupid People'

Trump called those in favour of sanctions against Russia “foolish people”

US President Donald Trump criticised those who had urged him to impose sanctions against Russia. He stated that such restrictions could have hindered the release of the American Steven Hubbard, who was being held in a Russian prison.

Donald Trump. / REUTERS

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He made these remarks during a speech on 30 October, reports nv.ua.

“Foolish people wanted me to impose sanctions against Russia,” Trump stated. According to him, Moscow merely laughs at such restrictions.

The US President explained his position using the example of Hubbard. He questioned the wisdom of simultaneously attempting to secure the American’s release from Russian President Vladimir Putin and imposing sanctions against Russia.

Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old former teacher from Michigan, was captured by the Russian military in Ukraine in April 2022. The Russian authorities convicted him of allegedly taking part in hostilities on the side of Ukraine as a mercenary. The US recognised him as being unlawfully detained.

Hubbard was released on 21 October during a visit to St Petersburg by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Whitcroft. Trump stated that he had asked Putin to release the American during a telephone conversation. According to him, there was no prisoner exchange. The Kremlin attributed the release to humanitarian considerations.

On 16 October, Trump suspended the imposition of sanctions against the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, as provided for by legislation promoted by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The US leader attributed this decision to ‘US national interests’.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

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