Trump backs strategy to ease Russia sanctions in exchange for release of political prisoners

The Atlantic has reported that US President Donald Trump's special envoy John Coale has proposed a new strategy towards Russia that would seek the release of political prisoners in exchange for easing sanctions and resuming economic ties with Moscow.

Source: The Atlantic, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Atlantic says Trump has backed the idea.

The outlet notes that Coale tested this approach in Belarus: after hundreds of political prisoners were released, the US eased sanctions and began talks on purchasing Belarusian potash.

Coale now wants to apply this model to Russia.

US officials are also considering major business deals with Russia as part of a strategy to achieve peace.

At the same time, the US is trying to negotiate a limited ceasefire, including an agreement on strikes against energy infrastructure and shipping in the Black Sea. However, Russia continues to attack Ukraine, while Ukrainian officials do not expect serious peace talks in the near future.

Under Coale's plan, the release of political prisoners and a gradual resumption of trade could create new channels of dialogue between the US and Russia and encourage the Kremlin to end the war. Critics of the strategy fear that exchanging the release of political prisoners for sanctions relief could instead encourage authoritarian regimes to take more people hostage.

On Monday, the White House nominated Coale for the position of special presidential envoy for hostage affairs with the rank of ambassador. The position requires Senate confirmation.

When asked to comment on his mission, a White House representative said: "The president and his team remain committed to continuing to play a constructive role in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, and he remains optimistic that we'll ultimately get a peace deal done."

Coale plans to coordinate his efforts with Steve Witkoff, who is Trump's main point of contact in relations with the Russian side.

Background:

• The New York Times previously reported that the White House is considering signing certain business deals with Russia as a way of demonstrating its good intentions.
• Russia has previously tried to entice Trump with the potential benefits of economic cooperation, discussing joint projects involving rare-earth mineral and aluminium extraction, projects in the Arctic and the involvement of US companies in selling Russian natural gas to Europe.

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