The President of the USA, Donald Trump, is prepared to ease the sanctions imposed on Russia. According to The Atlantic, the condition would be the release of some political prisoners.
According to journalist Simon Schuster, this scheme was proposed by special envoy John Cole, who secured the release of approximately 500 political prisoners from Belarus in exchange for the easing of sanctions.
Simultaneously, Washington and Minsk began discussing a major agreement for the purchase of potassium from Belarus. Russia is involved in these negotiations, as the substance is expected to be transported through its territory.
Cole’s plan for Moscow is in its early stages and aims to break the deadlock in negotiations between Russia and the USA, writes Meduza. Vladimir Putin could thus demonstrate goodwill and signs of diplomatic progress in relations with the Americans, without ceasing his attacks on Ukraine, the journalist believes.
In exchange for the release of prisoners, Washington could offer the Kremlin a relaxation of sanctions and a return to trade agreements.
Cole believes that such agreements promote peace, as “economic ties usually lead to normalization.” Ukraine does not share this optimism, and President Vladimir Zelensky told The Atlantic that he will do everything possible to block any attempt to lift sanctions against Russia until the end of the war.
Cole already has a list of Americans in Russian prisons, which could be put on the table in the event of possible negotiations. These are political prisoners, journalists, and individuals convicted for their anti-war stance. Their names have not been revealed.