LONDON (AP) — A Russian national has been sentenced to four years in prison after a violent assault in London that was reported to police by Barron Trump, the youngest son of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Matvei Rumiantsev, 23, was convicted on January 28 of assault causing bodily harm and perverting the course of justice. He was acquitted of rape and choking charges. Prosecutors revealed that while in custody, Rumiantsev attempted to pressure the victim into withdrawing her allegations by sending her a letter from jail.
Delivering sentence at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Justice Joel Bennathan described Rumiantsev as “totally unrepentant” and “a man given to jealousy,” adding:
“Your lack of insight and empathy was apparent at trial. You continue to try to blame the complainant for everything that has happened.”
The Attack
The assault occurred on January 18, 2025, when Rumiantsev, intoxicated and consumed by jealousy over the victim’s friendship with Barron Trump, attacked her. The woman, whose identity is protected under U.K. law, had met Trump online.
During the attack, Rumiantsev answered a FaceTime call from Trump on the victim’s phone, turning the camera to show her crying on the floor. Alarmed, Trump immediately contacted London police from the U.S., telling the operator:
“It’s really an emergency … I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up.”
Police rushed to the scene and arrested Rumiantsev, who worked as a receptionist in London.
Courtroom Drama
Rumiantsev admitted jealousy toward Trump, claiming he believed his girlfriend was misleading him. His defense lawyer, Sasha Wass, argued that Trump could not have seen much in the brief video call and suggested the victim had used her connection to Trump to provoke jealousy in a “relationship full of dramas.”
Barron Trump, now 19, did not testify.
Judge’s Praise
Justice Bennathan commended Trump’s quick action, saying his intervention may have prevented a tragedy:
“Mr. Trump properly and responsibly, despite being in the United States, made sure the emergency services here were called, and he told them what he had seen.”
The victim told the court she feared she was about to be killed during the attack.
