Trump envoy proposes easing Russia sanctions in exchange for release of political prisoners
US special representative John Coale is pushing a plan to ease sanctions on Russia if Moscow releases political prisoners, The Atlantic reports. Trump has reportedly backed the idea, though critics warn it could encourage authoritarian regimes to take new hostages.
John Coale, a special representative of US President Donald Trump, has proposed a new approach toward Russia: securing the release of political prisoners in exchange for easing sanctions and restoring economic ties with Moscow. The plan was reported by The Atlantic, as cited by Yevropeiska Pravda.
According to the report, Trump has already backed the idea. Coale previously tested this approach with Belarus — after hundreds of political prisoners were released there, the US eased sanctions and began talks on purchasing Belarusian potash. He now intends to apply the same model to Russia.
American officials are also reportedly considering large-scale business agreements with Russia as part of a broader peace strategy. At the same time, the US is trying to negotiate a limited ceasefire, particularly covering strikes on energy infrastructure and shipping in the Black Sea. However, Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, and Ukrainian officials do not expect serious peace talks in the near future.
Criticism of the approach
Under Coale's plan, releasing political prisoners and gradually resuming trade could open new channels of dialogue between the US and Russia and push the Kremlin toward ending the war. Critics, however, fear that trading sanctions relief for prisoner releases could have the opposite effect — encouraging authoritarian regimes to take new hostages.
On Monday, the White House nominated Coale for the position of special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, with ambassador rank; the post requires Senate confirmation. Asked to comment on his mission, a White House representative said the president and his team continue seeking to play a constructive role in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine and remain optimistic that a peace agreement can ultimately be reached. Coale plans to coordinate his efforts with Steve Witkoff, Trump's principal point of contact with the Russian side.
