Trump Weighs Easing Russia Sanctions for Prisoner Deal 11 Days After Signing New Law
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Sep 29
Trump Weighs Easing Russia Sanctions for Prisoner Deal 11 Days After Signing New Law
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Sep 29
Summary
The administration is considering loosening Russia sanctions in exchange for the release of political prisoners, even though Trump has yet to implement the tougher penalties Congress approved and he signed on Sept. 18.
That prospect has alarmed Republicans who wanted the new law used aggressively against Moscow, with Sen. Roger Wicker urging Trump to wield the authorities fully and lawmakers like Joe Wilson and Thom Tillis warning against giving Vladimir Putin a win.
John Coale, newly nominated as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, is reportedly the architect of the sanctions-relief idea, while the White House pointed only to Trump’s earlier statement that he would use the new powers if necessary.
The debate comes as Russia intensifies pressure on Ukraine with jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles, and as European allies push for tighter sanctions and reject softer U.S. messaging that Putin does not want a real conflict with NATO.