# The Atlantic: Trump backs easing Russia sanctions for political-prisoner releases before Ukraine war ends

https://mins.news/en/item/79099

- Meduza, 2026-09-29 17:36 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/09/29/the-atlantic-trump-backs-plan-to-ease-russia-sanctions-in-exchange-for-political-prisoners-without-waiting-for-the-ukraine-war-to-end

> The Atlantic reports that Donald Trump approved a proposal to ease sanctions on Russia in return for the release of political prisoners. Envoy John Coale says the approach could break the deadlock in U.S.-Russia talks, but Volodymyr Zelensky vows to oppose lifting sanctions before the war ends, while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya warns it could encourage further hostage-taking.

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