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Kremlin Rejects US Sanctions Talks Over Political Prisoners

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 4:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kremlin says it is not negotiating with the United States over sanctions relief for political prisoners.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov categorically denies the existence of any political prisoners.
President Donald Trump backed the plan via special envoy John Coale, who previously secured Belarusian releases for sanctions relief.
Coale said work began on Sept. 23 and his envoy appointment was proposed on Sept. 28.

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Story summary

Kremlin says it is not negotiating with the United States over sanctions relief for political prisoners.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov categorically denies the existence of any political prisoners.
President Donald Trump backed the plan via special envoy John Coale, who previously secured Belarusian releases for sanctions relief.
Coale said work began on Sept. 23 and his envoy appointment was proposed on Sept. 28.