Russia and Ukraine have reached a preliminary agreement to cease the use of force in the Black Sea, with the United States playing a key mediating role. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing conflict between the two nations, which has persisted for three years. The U.S. facilitated the agreement through separate talks with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a commitment to safe navigation and non-military use of commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
The agreement, announced by the U.S. White House, follows working-level discussions in Riyadh from March 23-25. Both nations have pledged to explore ways to enforce a mutual ban on attacks targeting energy facilities for a period of 30 days. The White House also indicated that the U.S. will aid in reestablishing Russia's access to global markets for its agricultural and fertilizer exports, aiming to reduce maritime insurance costs and improve access to ports and payment systems.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has confirmed its acceptance of the agreement, mirroring the U.S.-Russia consensus on ensuring the safety of maritime operations. Additionally, both the U.S. and Russia have expressed openness to third-party mediation to facilitate the implementation of agreements in the energy and maritime sectors.
This agreement comes amid Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a UN and Turkey-brokered deal designed to secure the export of Ukrainian grain amidst the conflict. Russia exited the agreement in 2023, citing unfulfilled provisions related to its food and fertilizer exports.
As the ceasefire agreement moves forward, attention will be on the efforts to resume and sustain peaceful maritime operations in the Black Sea, alongside the broader geopolitical implications of restored agricultural trade routes.
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