The denial follows an Atlantic report stating Donald Trump approved a plan to ease sanctions in exchange for freeing political prisoners, a strategy pushed by Special Envoy John Cole. The initiative could eventually allow for US-Russia trade in oil, fuel, and rare earth metals, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to block such deals until the war ends. Market reactions to the reports had previously pushed the S&P 500 higher and caused oil and dollar prices to fall.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Kremlin Rejects Trump Sanctions Relief Plan for Political Prisoners
Geopolitics21 days ago
Russia's government dismissed reports that it would trade economic relief for the release of detainees by claiming it holds no political prisoners. Official spokespeople called such reports irrelevant, although the Kremlin confirmed it is in communication with the US regarding a possible prisoner exchange.
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