Kremlin denies political prisoners as Trump weighs sanctions relief

"In this context, this issue was not discussed and could not be discussed, because we categorically deny the existence of any political prisoners and believe that framing the issue in this way is completely inappropriate," Peskov said. He added that security services of Russia and the U.S. continue to maintain "regular contact" regarding "various exchanges." Peskov's claim that Russia has no political prisoners conflicts with extensive documentation by human rights organizations of people imprisoned for political reasons. Some of them, like opposition leader Alexei Navalny, have died in prison. The proposal was reportedly backed by U.S. President Donald Trump and put forward by his special envoy for Belarus, John Coale. The plan would seek to secure the release of political prisoners in Russia while using sanctions relief as an incentive for Moscow. Coale said on Sept. 23 that work on the issue had begun. On Sept. 28, the Trump administration proposed appointing him as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Coale had previously said he helped secure the release of 700 political prisoners in Belarus using a similar approach. In March 2026, Coale said a broader agreement with Belarus could include sanctions relief and the restoration of diplomatic relations. The reported Russia proposal has drawn opposition from some U.S. lawmakers. A bipartisan group of representatives urged Trump on Sept. 29 not to ease sanctions against Moscow.