In a development that has stirred cautious optimism amid ongoing conflict, there are reports that the United States has forged a preliminary agreement with Ukraine and Russia to halt hostilities and guarantee safe navigation in the Black Sea. This comes after separate negotiations with both nations, although many specifics remain unresolved. Notably, Russia has insisted that certain Western sanctions be lifted as part of the deal.
These announcements followed three days of discussions in Saudi Arabia, aimed at achieving a limited ceasefire. While the prospect of a comprehensive peace agreement is still not in sight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his encouragement, referring to these discussions as preliminary but essential steps towards a peaceful resolution to the protracted war.
During these engagements, U.S. delegates met independently with Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Riyadh. Following the talks, the White House announced that the parties involved agreed on measures to ensure safe navigation, eliminate force, and avert commercial vessels’ military use in the Black Sea. The specifics of this tentative agreement have not been disclosed, indicating another attempt to secure Black Sea shipping. This follows a 2022 pact assisted by the U.N. and Turkey, which was discontinued by Russia in 2023.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the matter, stating significant progress was being made. However, when Russia withdrew from the previous shipping agreement, it cited unmet promises to lift obstacles to its exports of food and fertilizer, alleging shipping restrictions and insurance issues impeding its trade. Ukraine, in turn, blamed Moscow for delaying ship inspections under the deal.
Following Russia’s suspension of its participation in the agreement, it frequently targeted Ukraine’s southern ports and grain storages. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated openness to resume the Black Sea shipping deal, contingent on the protection of Russian interests. The White House noted a willingness to navigate Russian exports back into the global market, potentially reducing insurance costs and improving port access.
Kirill Dmitriev, President Putin’s envoy, hailed this as a pivotal step toward peace and greater global food security, impacting over 100 million people. Simultaneously, the Kremlin clarified that the Black Sea arrangement would only be feasible if certain sanctions against Russian agriculture and financial institutions were lifted. Additionally, it called for lifting restrictions on Russian food exports and agricultural equipment imports.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, however, opposed the demand to lift sanctions, cautioning that it could undermine Ukraine’s negotiations. Despite this, President Trump mentioned a potential reconsideration of the Kremlin’s terms. In a media interview, Trump speculated whether Russia might be delaying peace deliberately. He equated this to negotiation strategies he experienced in real estate transactions, suggesting a possible reluctance to reach a final deal.
A senior Ukrainian official, who remains anonymous, revealed that the Kyiv delegation firmly opposes linking sanction lifting to a maritime ceasefire, arguing no basis for removing sanctions exists. The official also noted the absence of European countries in these discussions, despite European Union responsibilities regarding sanctions. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov warned against perceived violations, particularly Russian military presence in the western Black Sea, asserting that it would constitute a national security threat to Ukraine.
Efforts to halt strikes on energy infrastructure were also discussed. The White House mentioned agreements to prohibit attacks on energy facilities, aligning with dialogues between Trump and Putin. However, an overarching ceasefire remains elusive, with both sides still engaging in military activities despite a tentative agreement for a 30-day ceasefire. Russia has accused Ukraine of breaching this understanding, publishing a comprehensive list of protected energy sites under the ceasefire terms.
As the potential for a full ceasefire remains uncertain, President Zelenskyy expressed readiness for the proposed pause, though Russia added conditions demanding a halt to arms support to Ukraine and suspensions of Ukraine’s military mobilization, which have been rejected by Ukraine and its allies. Beyond these, the U.S. remains committed to facilitating prisoner exchanges and civilian detainee releases, underscoring complex diplomatic tasks ahead. Meanwhile, Russia has signaled it will not yield control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, prompting President Trump to suggest a possible negotiation over Ukraine’s power assets.
Despite discussions, cross-border hostilities persist. Ukraine continues to face drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, with recent attacks impacting the Rostov nuclear plant’s power lines and sites in occupied regions. Russia, in its claims, attributed fatalities and injuries to Ukraine’s ongoing missile strikes, illustrating the violence enduring across the region. This climate of uncertainty underscores the challenging path toward a peaceful resolution.