John Cole May Be Able To Help Secure The Release Of Russian Political Prisoners

• 23.08.2026, 12:51

Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov reached out to him.

The U.S. President’s Special Representative for Belarus John Cole admitted in an interview with The New York Times that he had been approached by the Russian Nobel Peace Prize laureate and editor-in-chief of *Novaya Gazeta*, Dmitry Muratov, asking him to facilitate an exchange of civilian prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. The American politician noted that he plans to use his connections to help Russian political prisoners as well.

However, Cole stated that he first wants to secure the release of the remaining Belarusian political prisoners. Cole said he expects a major exchange to take place soon.

Meanwhile, John Cole told the publication that more than 500 political prisoners have been released since the start of U.S.-Belarusian negotiations.