Trump Suggests Sanctions Could Have Delayed US Citizen's Release from Russia
US President Donald Trump implies that imposing sanctions on Russia might have prevented the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard.
Imposing sanctions on Russia could have delayed the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard, who was held in Russia, US President Donald Trump said.
This statement comes after Trump faced questions about whether the US had given anything in exchange for Hubbard's release, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
Trump defended his decision not to impose sanctions on Russia at the time, citing ongoing negotiations with Moscow over Ukraine. He claimed that had sanctions been imposed, Hubbard might still be in prison, serving a 25-year sentence.
The exchange between Trump and CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins became heated, with Trump accusing Collins of being "fake news" and having a "low IQ." Hubbard's release was a result of Trump's negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said.
Earlier, Trump had stated that the US "gave nothing in exchange" for Hubbard's release.
However, when asked if he agreed with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's description of Putin as a "humanitarian" in this context, Trump seemed to agree but did not offer a broader assessment of the Russian president.
Hubbard's return was secured through what Trump described as a "very good and very fast negotiation" with Putin.
The US had wanted to bring Hubbard home for years; he was being held in Siberia or another location in Russia.
Trump also mentioned that the US is currently negotiating with Russia over Ukraine and that delicate negotiations make it unwise to impose sanctions.
US presidents often face criticism for their handling of hostage situations and prisoner exchanges with foreign governments.
The US and Russia have had a complex relationship, with tensions over issues like Ukraine and election interference.