The Kremlin says it can’t discuss sanctions relief for freeing ‘political prisoners’ because Russia has none. The human rights group Memorial lists 1,368.

The Kremlin has denied discussing potential sanctions relief for the release of political prisoners, with Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia categorically denies such individuals exist. Peskov added that while contact remains with security services over past exchanges, no current discussions exist on the proposed deal.

The article cites The Atlantic, which reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had approved easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for political prisoner releases. The idea reportedly came from special envoy John Coale, who facilitated the release of around 500 political prisoners in Belarus for similar concessions. Memorial, a human rights group, lists 1,368 political prisoners in Russia, though they warn the list is "admittedly incomplete."

There are reportedly over 5,700 people held for political reasons, according to Memorial, and the list omits those persecuted on religious grounds.