Trap without guarantees: Russia offers U.S. a “Belarus scenario” for Ukraine — media
Russia is looking to swap a temporary front-line pause for sanctions relief, according to media reports.
Follow us on Google
Sanctions for “calm” without guarantees: media reveal details of U.S.–Russia talks
The United States is in talks with the Kremlin over a possible easing of sanctions on Russia in exchange for a ceasefire that would offer Ukraine no security guarantees, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing a source in the Ukrainian government.
The Kremlin is pushing the idea of a short-term ceasefire as a "bargaining chip," which the Ukrainian side believes provides no real security. This truce could serve as a pretext for softening sanctions.
"At some point, they want to launch a truce—for instance, negotiate a week-long ceasefire—and get sanctions partially lifted in return. America gets headlines about silence on the front, while Putin gets partial sanctions relief and the resulting boost in revenue," the source explained.
According to the official, this "haggling" without any security guarantees is categorically unacceptable to Ukraine.
The source compared Russia's strategy to the "Belarusian case." This refers to the tactic where Alexander Lukashenko agreed to symbolic gestures, such as releasing some political prisoners, in exchange for the gradual lifting of sanctions (e.g., on potash exports), all while maintaining his core regime and domestic policies.
Furthermore, these proposals may be linked to the upcoming U.S. Congressional elections, as Republicans look to secure a foreign policy "win" to present to voters.