Media: Trump backs Russia sanctions relief in exchange for prisoner releases

US President Donald Trump has backed a proposal to ease some American sanctions on Russia in exchange for the release of political prisoners, The Atlantic reports.

The initiative was presented to Trump by his envoy to Eastern Europe, John Coale, who has spent more than a year testing a similar approach in Belarus. Under the proposal, Moscow would free political prisoners, while Washington would respond by easing sanctions on the Russian economy.

The plan could also pave the way for US-Russia business deals involving oil, diesel, rare earth minerals and other commodities, while expanding Washington’s engagement with Moscow beyond the war in Ukraine.

Coale previously used a similar arrangement with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, helping secure the release of hundreds of prisoners in exchange for eased US sanctions and efforts to pursue a deal for Belarusian potash. With Trump’s backing, he is now seeking to apply the model to Russia.

The initiative is likely to face opposition from Ukraine and European countries. According to the publication, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would seek to block any attempt to lift sanctions on Russia before the war ends.

By Jeyhun Aghazada