Ukraine and Russia have reached an agreement on a Black Sea ceasefire and halting strikes on energy infrastructure, after discussions involving US officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ceasefire is seen as a key step toward a broader peace agreement, which Washington has been pushing for since Donald Trump began his second administration.
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During the talks, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that his country had agreed to measures ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, preventing the use of commercial vessels for military purposes, and banning strikes on energy facilities in both Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism, stating that the truce was effective immediately and warning that violations would prompt requests for further sanctions and military support.
On the Russian side, the Kremlin acknowledged the ceasefire deal, confirming it had agreed to a 30-day period of safe navigation and a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure, starting on 18 March. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that any trust in the agreement depended on guarantees from Washington to ensure Ukraine respects the terms.
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While the ceasefire represents progress, the agreement took place amidst ongoing conflict, with Ukraine reporting drone attacks overnight. The talks also covered the US helping restore Russia’s agricultural exports, a move which President Zelenskyy warned could weaken existing sanctions against Moscow.
