Russia and the US are looking for an option to ease sanctions through a truce – media

Russia, together with the American side, is looking for options for easing sanctions against the Russian Federation, using the topic of a possible truce with Ukraine.

An informed source in the Ukrainian authorities told RBC-Ukraine about this.

According to the interlocutor, Moscow may use the alleged willingness to agree to a temporary ceasefire as a “bargaining coin.”

This includes a short-term ceasefire – for example, for a week. This is what the Russian side intends to do, which could be the basis for a partial lifting of sanctions.

“They want to start a ceasefire at some point and try, for example, to agree on a week-long ceasefire. And in return for this, partially lift sanctions. America will receive news of silence on the front, Putin – a partial easing of sanctions and corresponding higher revenues,” the interlocutor said.

According to him, this is actually a matter of “trade” without any real security guarantees for Ukraine, which cannot please Kyiv.

The source also links such ideas to the approaching US Congressional elections, when it may be important for the American authorities to demonstrate at least a temporary reduction in tension on the front.

As an example, he cited Belarus, where in exchange for a gradual easing of sanctions, in particular on the export of potassium, Alexander Lukashenko agreed to release some political prisoners, without changing his policy in essence.

As a reminder, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has declared his readiness to declare a ceasefire by May 9.