The United States announced on Tuesday that a preliminary agreement has been reached with Ukraine and Russia to halt hostilities and ensure safe passage in the Black Sea after separate discussions with both parties. However, many specifics remain unresolved, and the Kremlin has stipulated that the agreement is contingent on the removal of certain Western sanctions.
Following three days of negotiations in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian and Russian delegations on potential steps towards a limited ceasefire, the U.S. disclosed the progress made. While a comprehensive peace settlement remains distant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the talks as significant initial strides towards resolving the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year.
In separate statements after meetings with Ukraine and Russia in Riyadh, U.S. experts indicated that both sides have consented to guarantee safe maritime navigation, prohibit the use of force, and prevent commercial vessels from being utilized for military purposes in the Black Sea. Details of the proposed agreement are still forthcoming, but it seems to be another effort to ensure secure Black Sea shipping following a previous agreement in 2022 that was disrupted by Russia.
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the progress, characterizing it as a significant development. However, Moscow’s withdrawal from the prior shipping arrangement was attributed to alleged unfulfilled promises related to Russian exports of food and fertilizer. Russia’s actions led to attacks on Ukraine’s southern ports and grain storage facilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow is amenable to reviving the Black Sea shipping deal but emphasized the need to safeguard Russian interests. The White House acknowledged the importance of restoring Russia’s access to global agricultural and fertilizer markets, reducing maritime insurance costs, and enhancing port and payment system accessibility for transactions.
Despite Russia’s insistence on the removal of sanctions as a precondition for the maritime ceasefire, President Zelenskyy opposed such conditions, arguing that it would weaken Ukraine’s position. Nonetheless, President Trump indicated that the U.S. is considering the Russian demands.
Notably, the talks also addressed measures to implement an agreement reached during discussions between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin to prohibit strikes on energy facilities. These negotiations are part of ongoing efforts to secure a partial pause in the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
While challenges persist in achieving even a limited ceasefire, both sides tentatively agreed to a 30-day cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure. The White House clarified the terms of the agreement, emphasizing the importance of ceasing strikes specifically on energy facilities. The Kremlin outlined a list of energy installations subject to the temporary halt on strikes while cautioning that violations could prompt withdrawal from the deal by either party.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the complexities ahead, highlighting the numerous uncertainties and responsibilities involved. He reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and welcomed Britain’s call for Russia to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire proposal.
Furthermore, the U.S. reiterated its commitment to facilitating the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the repatriation of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children. In contrast, the Russian Foreign Ministry asserted that Moscow would not relinquish control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which was captured by Russia three years ago.
In conclusion, the negotiations in Saudi Arabia represent significant progress towards de-escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, although challenges remain in implementing a lasting ceasefire and addressing key issues such as sanctions and energy infrastructure security.
