The agreements aim to reopen a key trade route and prevent attacks on each other's energy infrastructure.
According to Washington, all parties will continue working toward a "durable and lasting peace." However, Russia has stated that the ceasefire will only take effect once certain sanctions on its food and fertilizer trade are lifted. The specific measures Russia is demanding include restoring access for certain Russian banks to the SwiftPay system, lifting restrictions on Russian-flagged vessels involved in food exports, and easing trade restrictions on agricultural equipment and goods.
The negotiations in Riyadh involved separate meetings between U.S. officials and delegations from Moscow and Kyiv, with no direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian representatives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the ceasefire as a "step in the right direction" but emphasized that its success remains uncertain. He also stated that Ukraine would seek additional sanctions on Russia and increased military support from the U.S. if Moscow did not uphold its commitments.
Russia to Access Markets
The White House indicated that the U.S. would assist in restoring Russia’s access to global agricultural and fertilizer markets. However, it remains unclear when the ceasefire is expected to take effect.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said "third countries" may oversee aspects of the agreement. He warned that any movement of Russian warships beyond the "eastern part of the Black Sea" would be considered a violation and a security threat to Ukraine, which would reserve the right to respond in self-defense.
Safe Passage for Commercial Ships
The ceasefire follows previous efforts to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels in the Black Sea. A 2022 agreement had facilitated the export of grain and other food products, but Russia withdrew from the deal in July 2023, citing unfulfilled commitments.
Both Russia and Ukraine have also agreed to implement a ban on attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Russian missile strikes have severely impacted Ukraine’s power grid, while Ukraine has been accused of targeting Russian civilian energy facilities. Despite the new agreement, both sides have continued to report attacks in recent days.
The situation in the Black Sea remains complex, and the effectiveness of the ceasefire will depend on the implementation of agreed conditions and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
