President Trump appeared to link Russia’s release of American hostage Stephen Hubbard to his decision to suspend economic sanctions against Moscow.
Mr. Hubbard met with Mr. Trump in the Oval Office on Friday to celebrate his release from a Russian prison. The president called Mr. Hubbard “a very special man” who “suffered greatly.”
Mr. Trump also suggested that Mr. Hubbard’s release was tied to the removal of sanctions against Russia implemented by Congress under a law named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican, who was a close friend of the president.
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“They wanted me [to impose sanctions] while I was negotiating for you,” Mr. Trump said alongside Mr. Hubbard. “Stupid people wanted me to put sanctions on Russia.”
“I’m speaking to President Putin, ’I’d like to get Stephen Hubbard back, Mr. President. And by the way we are putting sanctions on you right now,’” Mr. Trump said, imitating a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“You wouldn’t have been back,” he told Mr. Hubbard.
“Russia laughs at sanctions,” Mr. Hubbard said.
Mr. Trump said there was no “swap” for Mr. Hubbard.
Earlier this month, Mr. Trump signed an executive order exempting Russia from the sanctions passed by Congress in September, a move that offered an economic lifeline to Mr. Putin as he continues to wage war against Ukraine.
The sanctions targeted Russian officials, oligarchs and financial institutions and were aimed at cutting off the flow of money that sustained the Ukraine war.
Mr. Trump has not reimposed the sanctions since Mr. Hubbard was released last week.
Mr. Hubbard, 74, a retired teacher, was jailed in Russia for more than four years after being accused of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine. His release was announced during a meeting between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr. Putin in St. Petersburg.
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