A 22-year-old Russian citizen standing trial in London has denied allegations that he became enraged after the alleged victim received a video call from Barron Trump, the youngest son of US President Donald Trump, during the incident in question.
Court Hears Details of Alleged Assault Linked to Trump Call
Matvei Rumiantsev, who resides in east London, faces multiple serious charges including assault and two counts of rape, all of which he vehemently denies. The case, being heard at Snaresbrook Crown Court, has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of the American president's son as a witness to the alleged events.
Defendant Claims Exhaustion Rather Than Jealousy
During cross-examination by prosecutor Serena Gates on Friday, Rumiantsev addressed the crucial moment when Barron Trump attempted to contact the woman via FaceTime in January last year. "It was hard for me not to be jealous," Rumiantsev acknowledged when questioned about his emotional state, but he firmly rejected suggestions of anger.
The defendant elaborated that he was "quite used to her receiving calls" and "didn't attach much weight to that one day." He stated, "I wasn't angry, but I'll be honest I was quite exhausted," providing context for his behaviour during the alleged incident.
Video Evidence Shows Alleged Victim in Distress
Jurors were presented with video evidence that prosecutors claim shows the alleged victim on the floor crying, with Rumiantsev standing over her speaking Russian. The prosecution alleges he said, "Do you understand?" during this confrontation.
Rumiantsev explained this was merely an expression, telling the court, "I was trying to make her understand what she was doing was unreasonable." He described the woman as being in a "hysterical state" when Trump's call came through.
Trump's Involvement and Police Response
The court heard that Barron Trump, who had met the woman through social media according to evidence presented, was on a video call with her when he allegedly witnessed the assault unfolding. The US president's son immediately alerted authorities, triggering a police response to the London location.
In an email to police, Trump noted he "didn't expect her to pick up due to the time difference" between the United States and the United Kingdom. He described seeing "a shirtless man with darkish hair" answer the phone briefly before the view shifted to show the alleged victim.
Defendant Explains Answering the Call
Rumiantsev offered an explanation for why he answered Trump's call, telling the court, "Maybe that's why I answered the call [from Barron Trump]. I probably wouldn't behave like that in front of other people, especially Barron Trump."
The prosecution alleges that Rumiantsev "flew into a rage" after noticing several missed calls from Trump on the woman's phone throughout the day. They claim he attacked her as Trump watched via FaceTime from across the Atlantic in the early hours of 18 January 2025.
The case continues at Snaresbrook Crown Court as both prosecution and defence present their evidence regarding the serious charges against the Russian national living in London.
