---
title: "“Business Magic” Instead of Pressure: Trump Backs Plan to Ease Russian Sanctions, Media Reports"
description: "The Trump administration has backed a plan to ease sanctions on Russia in exchange for the release of political prisoners to pursue business deals."
date: 2026-09-29T13:50:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/business-magic-instead-of-pressure-trump-backs-plan-to-ease-sanctions
tags: [donald-trump, russia-sanctions, ukraine-war, john-cole, geopolitics]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# “Business Magic” Instead of Pressure: Trump Backs Plan to Ease Russian Sanctions, Media Reports

![Donald Trump and the plan to ease sanctions against Russia](https://xab.info/media/2026/09/29/magiya-biznesa-vmesto-davleniya-tramp-podderzhal-plan-oslableniya-sanktsiy/magiya-biznesa-vmesto-davleniya-tramp-podderzhal-plan-oslableniya-sanktsiy-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Trump's plan involves easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for political prisoners.
- The initiative aims to facilitate business agreements before the war ends.
- European allies and Ukraine have expressed deep concern over the new strategy.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a new diplomatic strategy in Eastern Europe that shifts away from severe sanctions pressure in favor of a quid pro quo approach. According to reports from reputable outlets, special envoy John Cole presented the American leader with a plan under which the Kremlin releases certain political prisoners in exchange for Washington gradually easing economic sanctions against Russia. This initiative is currently being developed in secret and aims to pave the way for major business deals even before the war in Ukraine concludes.

### Background and Details of the New Strategy

The new approach draws on a similar track record with Belarusian authorities, where the Trump team secured the release of hundreds of prisoners in exchange for partially lifting U.S. sanctions and brokering a major potash fertilizer deal. Proponents like John Cole and Jared Kushner argue that such a pragmatic approach will demonstrate to the Russian leadership the prospects for economic growth and normalized relations with the West through commercial ventures. ### Contradictory Data

The initiative has sparked intense debate and disagreement among experts and politicians. On one hand, proponents argue that releasing political prisoners on humanitarian grounds and fostering subsequent economic ties will help reduce tensions, bring a ceasefire closer, and potentially bolster Trump’s standing for a Nobel Peace Prize. On the other hand, critics—including Ukrainian diplomats, European allies, and many lawmakers on Capitol Hill—have expressed deep outrage. They point out the high risk that easing sanctions and reviving business contacts will channel financial resources directly into Russia’s military-industrial complex, undermining Europe's security.

### International Reaction and Prospects

Trump’s team's plans have already raised alarms in European capitals. For instance, regarding Belarusian potash, European countries flatly refused to soften their own sanctions or allow transit through their territory, meaning logistics were rerouted through Russia. The nomination of John Cole by the White House in September 2026 as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs highlights Washington's seriousness in pursuing this path despite allied criticism.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- ["Магия бизнеса" вместо давления. Трамп поддержал план ослабления санкций против РФ, - СМИ](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/magiya-biznesu-zamist-tisku-tramp-pidtrimav-1790689638.html) - Основной источник информации о плане посланника Трампа.
- [Трамп поддержал новую стратегию относительно РФ: ослабление санкций в обмен на освобождение ...](https://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2026/09/29/8055630/) - Детали о переговорщиках и контексте.
- [Трамп готов ослабить санкции против РФ в обмен на освобождение осужденных США](https://news.newizv.ru/2026-09-29/tramp-gotov-oslabit-sanktsii-protiv-rf-v-obmen-na-osvobozhdenie-osuzhdennyh-ssha-444214) - Дополнительное подтверждение инициативы.
- [СМИ: Трампу предлагают ослабить санкции против России в обмен на освобождение политзаключенных](https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/rus/news/2026/09/29/7246549/) - Оценки европейской реакции и позиции Украины.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What is the core of the new U.S. administration's plan regarding Russia?
**A:** The plan relies on a quid pro quo principle: the release of political prisoners by the Kremlin in exchange for a partial easing of U.S. sanctions against the Russian economy.

### Q: Who developed this strategy?
**A:** The initiative is championed by U.S. Special Envoy John Cole, whose methods were previously tested during negotiations with Belarus.