️🇺🇸🇧🇾🇷🇺The Atlantic: US envoy to Belarus Koala has proposed a new initiative for a peace deal with Russia if the US and Russia trade the release of political prisoners in exchange for potential relief from US sanctions and expanded economic engagement.

️🇺🇸🇧🇾🇷🇺The Atlantic: US envoy to Belarus Koala has proposed a new initiative for a peace deal with Russia if the US and Russia trade the release of political prisoners in exchange for potential relief from US sanctions and expanded economic engagement.

The strategy builds on Coale's work with Belarus, where the release of hundreds of political prisoners led to easing of US sanctions and trade negotiations, including potash.

The proposal has raised concern from Ukrainian and European officials, who argue that renewed trade and sanctions relief may provide Moscow with additional economic resources while the war in Ukraine continues. Ukrainian officials advise that economic agreements with Russia should not be considered a substitute for security guarantees