The Russians laugh at sanctions: Trump criticized the supporters of new restrictions against Russia US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Stephen Hubbard, who was released from Russian custody, stated that the anti-Russian sanctions do not affect Moscow. "The Russians are laughing at these sanctions. They laugh at sanctions. It undermines the respect for our country," Trump said. The US leader also called those calling for new sanctions "stupid people" as he negotiated Hubbard's release. According to Trump, imposing restrictions on Russia at the same time as asking Putin to release the American would be illogical.