US may ease sanctions against RF in exchange for release of political prisoners - The Atlantic
The administration of US President Donald Trump is developing a new approach to relations with Russia, under which the release of Russian political prisoners could become the basis for partially easing American sanctions and restoring certain economic contacts with Moscow. The initiative is at an early stage and is not yet officially approved policy of Washington.
The Atlantic reports this. According to the publication, the idea was proposed by American special envoy John Cole, who had previously used a similar model in negotiations with Belarus. The US President agreed to test this approach with Russia as well.
The scheme assumes that the Kremlin may release people imprisoned for political reasons, and Washington in response will consider targeted easing of economic restrictions. In parallel, the American side wants to expand negotiations with Moscow on economic issues, including trade in raw materials and energy resources.
The US has already tested a similar approach in Belarus
Cole has been involved in negotiations with the Belarusian authorities for over a year. During this time, Minsk released hundreds of prisoners, and the US began gradually easing part of the sanctions and discussing the restoration of economic ties.
In September, Trump also announced negotiations on a major purchase of Belarusian potash fertilizers. According to Cole, as cited by The Atlantic, Russia is also involved in these negotiations, since without its participation the logistics of such exports could be complicated.
On September 28, the White House officially sent Cole's candidacy to the Senate for the position of Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs with the rank of ambassador. Working on the release of detainees is supposed to be one of his main areas.
Kyiv opposes easing sanctions until the end of the war
Ukraine holds the opposite position regarding Western economic rapprochement with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his speech at the UN General Assembly, stressed that Russia's revenues must remain under pressure, since they allow Moscow to finance the war.
According to him, increasing trade with Russia effectively gives it additional resources to continue hostilities. The Ukrainian authorities therefore insist not on easing, but on further strengthening sanctions against the Russian economy.
Within the US administration itself, the proposed mechanism is seen as a possible way to expand dialogue with Moscow beyond the ceasefire negotiations. Supporters of the approach believe that economic incentives could create additional points for agreements.
At the same time, The Atlantic notes that the new scheme is currently only at the stage of development. The White House has not publicly announced a decision to ease sanctions against Russia in exchange for the release of political prisoners.
Sources: The Atlantic, White House, Office of the President of Ukraine
