Putin envoy discusses post-war energy deals as US weighs Belarus-style sanctions relief for Russia

US officials, including a Trump envoy, are reportedly exploring a deal to offer sanctions relief to Russia in exchange for the release of political prisoners, a proposal Moscow has publicly rejected while denying the existence of such prisoners. Concurrently, a Putin envoy has engaged with US Treasury and Energy officials in Washington to discuss post-war energy cooperation, indicating ongoing back-channel diplomatic efforts despite public denials. The feasibility and official backing of the prisoner exchange proposal remain uncertain, as does the scope and potential outcomes of the energy discussions.