ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both sides have agreed to a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, following intense peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The deal, brokered with the assistance of U.S. officials, marks a breakthrough in the protracted war, but the ceasefire’s effectiveness hinges on the resolution of key issues, including sanctions and energy infrastructure protections.
U.S. Involvement in Peace Talks
The ceasefire agreement comes after several days of discussions in Riyadh, where U.S. negotiators held separate talks with representatives from Moscow and Kyiv. While the two warring sides did not engage in direct dialogue, both governments have pledged to halt strikes in the strategic Black Sea region and work toward enforcing a previously agreed ban on attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the agreement but emphasized caution, stating, “It is too early to say that it will work, but these were the right meetings, the right decisions, the right steps.” He also responded to previous claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had suggested that Ukraine was obstructing peace efforts. “No one can accuse Ukraine of not moving towards sustainable peace after this,” Zelensky added.
Russia’s Demands for Sanctions Lift
While both sides have agreed to halt military actions in the Black Sea, Russia has set conditions for the ceasefire’s implementation. The Kremlin has made it clear that the cessation of hostilities will not take effect until certain sanctions against its food and fertilizer trade are lifted. Moscow has specifically demanded the reconnection of Russian banks to the SwiftPay system, the removal of restrictions on ships carrying food under the Russian flag, and the resumption of agricultural machinery exports to Russia.
The White House acknowledged Russia’s concerns, stating that the U.S. would “help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports.” However, the U.S. has not provided a clear timeline for when these demands will be met or when the ceasefire will be fully enacted.
Ukrainian Concerns Over National Security
Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about ensuring the security of the agreement. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov suggested that “third countries” could potentially oversee parts of the ceasefire. However, he warned that any movement of Russian warships beyond the eastern Black Sea would be seen as a violation of the deal and a direct threat to Ukraine’s national security. “In this case, Ukraine will have full right to exercise self-defense,” Umerov said.
Energy Infrastructure Agreement
In addition to the naval ceasefire, both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a mutual commitment to refrain from attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. This follows growing tensions over recent strikes, with both sides accusing each other of violating a previous ban on such attacks. Russian strikes on Ukrainian power grids have led to widespread blackouts across the country, while Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy sites have drawn condemnation from Moscow.
The energy infrastructure truce was initially discussed during a call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, but both sides have continued to exchange accusations of violations. Just hours before the announcement of the ceasefire, Russia claimed that Ukraine had attacked civilian energy sites in Russian territory, while Ukraine reported multiple Russian missile and drone strikes overnight.
The Black Sea Grain Deal Fallout
This new ceasefire comes after the collapse of the 2022 Black Sea grain export deal, which had allowed Ukrainian and Russian grain shipments to safely navigate the region. The failure of the agreement, following Russia’s withdrawal in July 2023, led to disruptions in global food supplies and contributed to rising food prices worldwide. Both Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of grain, making the Black Sea a critical strategic area for international trade.
Looking Ahead
While the ceasefire marks an important step in de-escalating tensions in the Black Sea, challenges remain. The successful implementation of the ceasefire will depend on further negotiations regarding sanctions and military oversight. As both nations continue to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain, with global implications for food security, energy infrastructure, and international relations.
As talks continue, the world watches closely, hoping that this ceasefire can pave the way for a more sustainable peace, but mindful of the fragile nature of such agreements in the context of the ongoing war.
