Trump Holds Back on Russia Sanctions as Ukraine Talks Advance
President Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. 
US President Donald Trump said Washington is avoiding new sanctions and other escalatory steps against Russia while delicate negotiations over the Ukraine conflict continue, arguing that the sides may now be closer to an agreement than they have been in a long time.“When you’re close to a deal and you have very delicate negotiations, you don’t put sanctions on,” Trump said.The president also said he had resisted calls for unspecified tougher measures against Russia because he did not want to disrupt the negotiating process or jeopardize the release of American citizen Stephen Hubbard.“If we did what these foolish people wanted me to do, he wouldn’t be coming out right now. He’d be in there for another 20 years,” Trump said.“The last thing I want to do is upset an apple cart, where we’re getting close to settling a war,” he added.Hubbard was previously convicted in Russia after joining Ukrainian troops and fighting against Russian forces. President Vladimir Putin later approved his release on humanitarian grounds following repeated requests from the US side.Trump separately denied any role in the recent Starlink and Starshield restrictions affecting Ukraine.“I wasn’t involved,” he said when asked who ordered the limitations.The restrictions disrupted Ukrainian drone operations and forced some missions to be cancelled.Trump was then asked whether Elon Musk had ordered the restrictions.“I don’t know who did it, but I wasn’t involved,” he replied.
AnalysisUkraine Conflict Freeze Without Security Guarantees and Legitimacy Solutions is Pointless – ExpertYesterday, 18:19 GMT
