Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has rejected as inappropriate the notion that the measures could be curtailed in exchange for the release of political prisoners

The Kremlin has categorically denied that Moscow and Washington discussed an easing of US sanctions in exchange for Russia releasing alleged political prisoners, calling this framing of the issue inappropriate.

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the statement on Wednesday in response to a US media report that claimed the administration of US President Donald Trump was considering relaxing some economic restrictions if Moscow released individuals Washington considers unjustly imprisoned.

"The issue was not discussed in those terms and could not have been, because we categorically reject the notion that there are any political prisoners in Russia and consider framing the issue in this way entirely inappropriate," Peskov told journalists.

Russian and US special services continue regular contacts concerning various prisoner exchanges, he added.

According to The Atlantic, the proposal was advanced by White House envoy John Coale and approved by Trump for exploration several months ago. The initiative remains at an early stage but could reportedly allow Washington to broaden its engagement with Moscow beyond negotiations over Ukraine and pursue deals involving Russian oil, diesel, rare earth minerals and other commodities.

Trump's envoys have been exploring ways to revive economic ties with Russia but have so far viewed at least a partial ceasefire in Ukraine as a prerequisite, the outlet wrote on Tuesday.

The report comes as Washington and Moscow have separately discussed potential economic cooperation. Following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow earlier this month, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said the sides had discussed possible "major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects."

The Atlantic also reported that Washington is seeking to arrange lower-level talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine as early as next month, potentially in the UAE. The discussions could focus on a limited ceasefire covering energy infrastructure, according to the magazine.

Moscow has repeatedly said it opposes a temporary truce that would allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm, insisting that hostilities can end only through a comprehensive settlement that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

Speaking at the UN Security Council last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would not agree to pause military operation because such a step could be used by Ukraine's European backers to supply Kiev with more weapons.

The prospect of renewed US-Russian business ties before the Ukraine conflict ends has drawn opposition from Kiev and its European backers. Vladimir Zelensky told The Atlantic he would try to "block" any sanctions relief for Moscow before hostilities end.

(RT.com)