🔘Trump promises to ease sanctions in exchange for the release of prisoners

The U.S. president agreed to a proposal by his special envoy for Eastern Europe, John Cole, to ease sanctions against Russia in exchange for the release of political prisoners and American citizens held in Russian prisons, The Atlantic reports. The initiative is still at an early stage.

The deal is expected to help expand Moscow-Washington talks beyond the conflict in Ukraine and open the way to trade in Russian oil, diesel fuel, rare earth metals and other goods.

The plan is likely to cause discontent among Ukraine, U.S. European allies and some American lawmakers: revenues from the trade could replenish the Russian budget and support the continuation of military actions, the publication writes.

Recall that Putin previously agreed to a meeting with the American president on condition of proper preparation.

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