Former President Donald Trump recently claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would grant him a unique favor, which would not be extended to anyone else. Trump suggested that Putin could release a hostage, potentially in exchange for a favorable election outcome. The Kremlin has responded to Trump's assertion, though details on how or why Putin would agree to such a deal remain unclear. Trump's comments have sparked outrage and concern, with some interpreting his statement as an indication that Putin might be willing to trade kidnapped Americans, including Mr. Gershkovich, for political concessions. Additionally, Trump hinted that allowing Russia to act freely against 40,000,000 Ukrainians might be part of the deal.
Mr. Trump didn't say how or why Mr. Putin would agree to free Mr. Gershkovich. https://t.co/oZ6e3l0mC8
This is insane and outrageous. I would like to believe Trump is saying Putin is scared of him and will cow to his demands, but it sounds a lot like Trump is saying Putin will release this hostage in exchange for the election outcome he prefers. https://t.co/BKuOGqMvkh
Kremlin Responds To Trump's Claim Putin Would Grant Him – And Only Him – A Particular Favour https://t.co/453FC6zfOr
Trump making it clear that Putin just needs to continue kidnapping Americans to later trade them to Trump for allowing Russia "to do whatever they want" to 40,000,000 Ukrainians. https://t.co/W6UzliBAX3
Trump: “Vladimir Putin…Will do that for me, but not for anyone else.” Donald Trump is a Russian asset. https://t.co/UN79Pv417x