The Atlantic: trump agreed to ease sanctions against Russia

US President Donald Trump has agreed to ease sanctions against Russia in exchange for the release of prisoners, reports The Atlantic. The mechanism was proposed by the US President’s envoy to Eastern Europe, John Cole, who concluded a similar deal with the Belarusian authorities.

According to the publication, the proposal of the envoy arose after his meeting with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov (declared in Russia as a foreign agent). The parties discussed the creation of a mechanism similar to the deal between Washington and Minsk. Mr. Cole has already compiled a list of Americans held in Russian prisons, and Mr. Muratov (declared a foreign agent in Russia) – convicted Russians who spoke out against Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

In parallel with negotiations on the release of prisoners, Washington plans to discuss trade and business issues with Moscow. They can concern oil, diesel fuel and rare earth minerals. As noted by The Atlantic, yesterday the White house nominated John Cole for the post of special envoy of the President for hostages. It must now be approved by the Senate. Commenting on the decision, the White House said it was “committed to a constructive role” in ending the Ukrainian conflict.

U.S. authorities began to ease sanctions against Belarus in exchange for the release of prisoners. In mid-September, Minsk agreed to release 25 prisoners in exchange for lifting sanctions against two Belarusian companies, including potash fertilizer producer Bellesbumprom. Donald trump soon announced a deal with Belarus for the purchase of fertilizers. According to The Atlantic, Russian representatives participated in the negotiations on the deal. Russia has previously released imprisoned opposition figures as part of an exchange with the West. The largest of them took place in August 2024, it was attended by 26 people.