Agreement reached on Black Sea navigation safety between US, Russia, and Ukraine

According to a statement from the White House, the US has reached an agreement with Ukraine and Russia to ensure navigational safety in the Black Sea.

It was stated that both sides agreed to refrain from using force and would not permit commercial vessels to be used for military purposes.

In return, the US will assist Russia’s return to the global market for agricultural products and fertilizer exports, reduce maritime transport insurance costs, and expand access to ports and payment systems for such operations.

Additionally, Washington has reached an agreement with Kyiv and Moscow to halt mutual attacks on energy facilities.

The White House stated, “The US will continue to facilitate negotiations to achieve a peaceful resolution between the two sides.”

Simultaneously, it insists on fulfilling US President Donald Trump’s demand to “stop the killings on both sides.”

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the agreement but claimed that “Russia moving its warships outside the eastern part of the Black Sea would be considered a violation of the spirit of this agreement,” a breach of obligations to ensure freedom of navigation, and constitute “a threat to national security.”

Umerov asserted that in such a situation, Ukraine would “exercise its right to self-defense.”

Umerov also reported that the presidents of all parties agreed to implement agreements on a complete cessation of attacks on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine and Russia.

Furthermore, according to Umerov, the US confirmed it would assist with prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.

A provision to this effect is also included in the White House statement.

“Effective implementation of the agreements will require additional technical consultations to coordinate all details, including ensuring monitoring and control of the agreement,” Umerov added.

Russia confirmed its agreement not to use force in the Black Sea amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.

However, Moscow insists on inspections to prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes.

The Kremlin also emphasized that compliance with the Black Sea ceasefire would begin after sanctions related to Russia’s food and fertilizer exports are lifted.

Specifically, this involves connecting the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT system and opening necessary correspondent accounts.

Besides this, Moscow expects the removal of restrictions on food and fertilizer producers and exporters, and the elimination of obstacles for insurance companies working with such cargo.

Another point is the lifting of sanctions on Russian-flagged vessels used in the trade of these products and the removal of restrictions on their servicing in ports.

Finally, the Kremlin demanded the resumption of unobstructed supplies of agricultural machinery to Russia.