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U.S. President Donald Trump has backed a proposal by his envoy John Coale to improve relations with Russia by linking the release of political prisoners and other detainees to targeted U.S. sanctions relief, according to The Atlantic.
The strategy, which remains at an early stage, is based on a “something for something” approach. Russia would release selected prisoners, while the United States could ease sanctions and potentially expand trade with Moscow.
According to journalist Simon Shuster, the approach could also give Washington a framework for discussing economic ties with Russia beyond the war in Ukraine, including potential deals involving oil, diesel fuel, rare-earth minerals and other commodities. The Atlantic reported that Trump had agreed to explore the idea.
Coale tested the approach in Belarus
Coale has already used a similar strategy in Belarus, where negotiations with President Alexander Lukashenko resulted in the release of hundreds of prisoners.
In exchange, Washington eased some sanctions on Belarusian companies and discussed expanded trade, including the purchase of fertilizers. Reuters reported that another 15 prisoners were pardoned on September 24 following continuing negotiations with Coale.
The Atlantic reported that Coale now wants to apply a similar model to Russia with the support of the Trump administration.
According to Shuster, the initiative followed a meeting between Coale and Russian dissident Dmitry Muratov, co-founder of Novaya Gazeta. Muratov had previously asked Coale whether he could use the same approach with the Kremlin that he had used in Minsk.
Ukraine opposes sanctions relief without a peace settlement
The proposal could create tensions with Ukraine and some European allies, who have argued that sanctions should remain in place until Russia ends its aggression.
Kyiv has repeatedly called on Washington and other governments to increase economic pressure on Moscow rather than restore trade ties while the war continues.
Ukrainian officials have also said that economic agreements with Russia would not constitute security guarantees for Ukraine and could provide Moscow with additional resources to sustain its military campaign.
The Atlantic reported that Trump's envoys currently see a major obstacle to restoring large-scale U.S.-Russia business ties: at least a partial ceasefire in Ukraine would likely be needed first.
Coale's supporters, however, argue that economic links could themselves create incentives for Moscow to reduce hostilities. According to Shuster, Coale believes that greater economic ties can contribute to a return to normal relations.
Trump administration continues contacts with Moscow
The proposal comes as Trump's team maintains direct contacts with Russian officials.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have held several meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to advance negotiations over the war in Ukraine. The White House has confirmed that the two met Putin in Moscow on September 5.
On September 28, the White House formally sent Coale's nomination to the Senate for the position of Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, with the rank and status of ambassador.
A White House representative told The Atlantic that Trump and his team remained committed to playing a constructive role in efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine and continued to believe that a peace agreement was possible.
Debate over the strategy
The proposed approach reflects a broader debate within the Trump administration over how to combine diplomatic pressure with incentives for Moscow.
Supporters of the strategy see prisoner releases as a relatively concrete confidence-building measure that could open wider negotiations. Critics argue that easing sanctions before a comprehensive settlement could weaken economic pressure on Russia and provide Moscow with additional leverage.
The Atlantic also reported that Coale has prepared lists of Americans detained in Russia as well as Russian dissidents, journalists and others imprisoned for opposing the war. The proposed negotiations would run alongside discussions over trade and economic cooperation.
Trump's administration is therefore pursuing two tracks simultaneously: maintaining pressure through sanctions while exploring potential incentives that could encourage Moscow to make limited concessions.
