International
Russia, Ukraine Agree To Halt Black Sea, Energy Strikes In US-Brokered Talks
- Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt Black Sea and energy strikes.
- Russia insists the deal takes effect only after lifting agriculture restrictions.
- Fighting continues as Russia advances and Ukraine defends against drone attacks.
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to suspend military strikes in the Black Sea and on energy sites following US-brokered negotiations in Riyadh, marking the first tangible step toward easing tensions. The agreement, reached after three days of separate discussions, was accompanied by a US pledge to facilitate Russia’s agricultural exports as an incentive to ease restrictions on global trade.
In a statement, the White House confirmed that both countries had committed to ensuring safe navigation, refraining from using force, and preventing the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that additionally, efforts will be made to enforce a ban on attacks on energy infrastructure in both nations.
However, the Kremlin emphasized that the Black Sea ceasefire would only take effect once restrictions on Russia’s agricultural sector were lifted. Moscow has long accused Western sanctions of impeding its food and fertilizer exports, despite no direct US sanctions on its agricultural trade.
Russia insists that reconnecting its Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT international payment system is a prerequisite for implementing the agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the deal as a step toward peace but remained cautious about its effectiveness.
“No one can accuse Ukraine of not working towards sustainable peace,” he said in Kyiv, adding that third-party monitors, possibly Turkey, could oversee compliance in the Black Sea, while a Middle Eastern nation might oversee energy-related agreements.
Zelensky also expressed concern over the US decision to facilitate Russian agricultural exports, warning that it could weaken sanctions and embolden Moscow. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reiterated that Ukraine retains the right to self-defense should Russian warships shift positions in the Black Sea.
Continued Fighting on the Ground
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues. Ukraine reported downing 78 out of 139 drones launched by Russia on Tuesday, while Russian strikes in Sumy left 101 people wounded, including 23 children. Meanwhile, Russia claimed advances in southern and eastern Ukraine, capturing two more villages.
Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt Black Sea and energy strikes.
The fragile agreement comes as Kyiv accuses Moscow of rejecting a previously proposed ceasefire in favor of further territorial gains, raising doubts over Russia’s commitment to broader peace efforts.
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