On 21 October, US President Donald Trump took offence at CNN correspondent Caitlan Collins, who had asked him about the postponement of new sanctions against Russia following the release of the American Steven Gabbard. Trump stated that the imposition of restrictions could have derailed the negotiations, but no formal agreement regarding the exchange of sanctions concessions for Hubbard’s release had been publicly announced.
Briefly about the main points
- Trump took a dig at Kaitlan Collins after she asked a question about sanctions and Stephen Gabbard.
- The President stated that the new restrictions could have derailed negotiations on the release of the American.
- On 16 October, the US postponed the implementation of most of the new sanctions provisions and duties under the Graham Act.
- Russia released 74-year-old Gabbard on 21 October after more than four years in prison.
A row outside the White House
During a press briefing ahead of his trip to South Carolina Collins asked whether the postponement of the new sanctions was part of the agreements regarding Hubbard’s dismissal. In response, Trump said that the journalist had a «low IQ», called her a «dummy» — «stupid» — and once again accused CNN of spreading fake news.
The President stated that sanctions should not be imposed during «highly sensitive» negotiations. According to him, if restrictions were imposed, the prospect of Hubbard’s return could be «forgotten», as Russia might renege on the agreements.
Which specific measures has the US administration postponed?
On 16 October, Trump exercised the right provided for by law to defer the application of most of the new sanctions provisions and tariffs set out in the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. In the documents submitted to Congress, the reason given was the risk of hindering negotiations on a lasting and comprehensive peace between Ukraine and Russia.
This does not mean that all US sanctions against Russia have been lifted. The decree specifically maintains the previous restrictions and other measures imposed on the Russian authorities.
Trump thus publicly linked the suspension of sanctions to Hubbard’s release in his statement. At the same time, no details have been made public regarding a formal agreement under which Russia would have received a postponement of sanctions in exchange for the American’s release.
The dismissal of Stephen Gabbard
Russia has released a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan Stephen Hubbard On 21 October, during a visit by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to St Petersburg. According to the Associated Press, Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned the American, and the Kremlin attributed the decision to humanitarian considerations.
Hubbard had been held in Russian custody for over four years. In 2024, a Russian court sentenced him to six years and 10 months in a penal colony on charges of military activity; his defence team and the US government denied these allegations, and Washington recognised him as having been unlawfully detained.
Trump stated that he had asked Putin to release Gabbard during a telephone conversation the previous week and that the US had not handed anyone over to Russia in exchange for the American’s return.
