US President Donald Trump called those who want new sanctions against Russia “foolish people.”
Modern.az reports with reference to KFOX 14 TV channel that Trump said this on October 30 at the White House during a meeting with American Steven Hubbard, who was released from Russian custody.
“Foolish people wanted me to impose sanctions against Russia,” the US president said.
Hubbard replied that the Russians laughed at the sanctions. Trump reacted to his words by saying, “Did you hear? They are laughing at the sanctions.”
The US president explained his refusal of new restrictions by not wanting to disrupt the negotiations with Moscow for Hubbard's release.
“I'm talking to President Putin: “Mr. President, I would like to get Steven Hubbard back. By the way, we are imposing sanctions against you right now.” Can you imagine such a thing?” Trump said.
According to him, Washington was conducting “very sensitive negotiations” with Russia at the time, and also discussing a possible agreement on Ukraine. Trump said that under such circumstances, sanctions could immediately stop the negotiations.
It should be noted that Steven Hubbard, a 74-year-old former teacher from Michigan, spent more than four years in Russian custody. Russia accused him of participating in battles on the side of Ukraine. Hubbard was released on October 21 after the intervention of the Trump administration.
