A Russian national has been sentenced to four years imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London for a violent assault that was partially witnessed via video call by Barron Trump, the youngest son of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Matvei Rumiantsev, 23, received his sentence from Justice Joel Bennathan on Friday following his January 28 conviction for assault causing actual bodily harm. The court acquitted Rumiantsev of more serious rape and strangulation charges. Additionally, he was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after attempting to persuade his victim to withdraw her allegations through a letter sent from custody.
The incident occurred on January 18, 2025, when Rumiantsev, employed as a receptionist in London, launched a drunken attack on his girlfriend after becoming envious of her social media friendship with Barron Trump. During the assault, Rumiantsev answered a FaceTime call from Trump on the victim’s phone, deliberately turning the camera to show the young woman in distress on the floor.
Justice Bennathan characterized Rumiantsev as “totally unrepentant” and “a man given to jealousy,” noting his complete lack of insight and empathy throughout the judicial process. The judge emphasized that the defendant continued to blame the complainant for the entire situation.
Barron Trump, who was 19 at the time of the incident and residing in the United States, immediately contacted London’s Metropolitan Police after witnessing the attack. In a recorded emergency call, Trump urgently pleaded with operators: “It’s really an emergency… I’m calling from the U.S., uh, I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up.”
The court heard that police responded promptly to the address provided, where they arrested Rumiantsev. Justice Bennathan commended Trump’s swift action, stating that his responsible intervention potentially prevented a more tragic outcome. The victim reportedly feared for her life during the assault.
Defense attorney Sasha Wass had argued during trial that the relationship was “full of dramas” and suggested the victim had exploited her connection to Trump to provoke jealousy. Rumiantsev testified that he felt both envious of and sympathetic toward Trump, believing his girlfriend was misleading the president’s son. Barron Trump did not testify in the case.