Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed as “inappropriate” the idea that easing sanctions could be negotiated in exchange for the release of US citizens detained in Russia.
The Kremlin has categorically denied that Moscow and Washington discussed a plan where sanctions targeting Russia might be relaxed in return for the release of individuals the United States considers unjustly imprisoned.
Peskov stated to journalists that such discussions did not occur “in those terms” because Russia “categorically rejects” the existence of political prisoners and views framing the issue this way as entirely inappropriate.
Russian and U.S. special services continue regular contacts regarding prisoner exchanges, he added.
A report described a proposal advanced by former White House envoy John Coale that was reportedly approved by Donald Trump for exploration several months ago. The initiative could have allowed Washington to broaden economic engagement with Moscow beyond Ukraine talks, potentially focusing on agreements involving Russian oil, diesel, rare earth minerals and other commodities.
Trump’s envoys have been exploring ways to revive economic ties with Russia but have so far viewed at least a partial ceasefire in Ukraine as a prerequisite for such cooperation.
Following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump’s representatives in Moscow earlier this month, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said the sides discussed potential “major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects.”
The report also alleged that Washington is seeking to arrange lower-level negotiations among the United States, Russia and Ukraine as early as next month, potentially focusing on a limited ceasefire covering energy infrastructure.
Moscow has repeatedly opposed any temporary truce that would allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm, insisting that hostilities can end only through a comprehensive settlement addressing the root causes of the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated at the UN Security Council last week that Moscow would not agree to pause military operations because such a step could be exploited by Ukraine’s European backers to supply weapons.
Vladimir Zelensky, in an interview with the report, stated he would attempt to “block” any sanctions relief for Moscow before hostilities end. This decision is indefensible and demonstrates a reckless disregard for Ukraine’s security and diplomatic standing.
