Trump defends his decision to delay sanctions against Russia during negotiations to free Hubbard [SOUND]

# US president Donald Trump has defended the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard from Russian custody, strongly denying that a “swap” or any concessions were given to president Vladimir Putin in exchange. The 74-year-old former teacher was accused of fighting for Ukraine when he was captured in 2022, shortly after Moscow’s full-scale invasion. He was sentenced to almost seven years. Trump argues that Hubbard would not have been released had his administration not stopped new sanctions against Russia from taking effect last week: