Black Sea Breakthrough
#Ukraine and #Russia have agreed to separate US-brokered deals to pause attacks in the Black Sea, allowing ships to pass safely and preventing the use of commercial vessels for military operations. The breakthrough comes after US officials met with Ukrainian and Russian delegates separately in Saudi Arabia this week.
 
Under the agreement (see details) with Russia, the US has agreed to help Moscow increase exports of agriculture and fertilizer to global markets, lower maritime insurance costs, and restore its access to international payment systems. Russia said the Black Sea deal was contingent on lifting some European port and banking sanctions against its banks involved in food and fertilizer trade, which Ukraine opposes. Russia and Ukraine will now need to hammer out details on how to carry out the maritime ceasefire and work toward a truce related to energy infrastructure.
 
The deal comes roughly two years after Russia terminated a 2022 agreement to ensure safe shipping in the Black Sea. See a history of the Black Sea.
#Ukraine #Russia