Kremlin denies discussing prisoner swap for sanctions relief with US
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is not negotiating with Washington over releasing prisoners in exchange for eased sanctions, while also denying Russia holds any political prisoners.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is not conducting negotiations with the United States regarding the easing of sanctions in exchange for the release of imprisoned individuals.
At the same time, Peskov rejected claims that Russia has any political prisoners at all, effectively denying any basis for such negotiations to take place.
The statement follows earlier speculation or reports suggesting possible discussions between Moscow and Washington concerning the fate of prisoners tied to sanctions policy. The Kremlin has now officially denied any such connection.
The Russian authorities' position that the country holds no political prisoners is a recurring element of Moscow's rhetoric, one that conflicts with assessments from human rights organizations and several Western governments, which regularly report politically motivated criminal cases in Russia.
The source report did not provide further details on the specific context behind the negotiations claim or what prompted Peskov's comment.
