US Brokers Black Sea and Energy Agreements Between Ukraine and Russia
KYIV: The United States has successfully negotiated separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia, aiming to ensure safe passage in the Black Sea and establish a mutual ban on targeting each other’s energy infrastructure.
If effectively implemented, these agreements could mark a significant step toward de-escalation, potentially laying the groundwork for broader ceasefire discussions that Washington hopes will lead to peace talks in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Both Kyiv and Moscow have acknowledged Washington’s role in enforcing the agreements.
“If Russia violates this, I will have a direct question for President Trump,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated at a press conference in Kyiv. “If there is a violation, we will present the evidence and demand sanctions, weapons, and other necessary measures.”
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that Russia would require “clear guarantees,” adding, “Given our past experience with agreements involving only Kyiv, we need assurances directly from Washington that Zelenskiy and his administration will adhere to the terms.”
The agreements, brokered during negotiations in Saudi Arabia, stem from diplomatic efforts initiated by US President Donald Trump. His administration has shifted its approach, moving from strong support for Kyiv to a more balanced stance that considers Moscow’s position as well.
Key Terms of the Agreement
Under the deal with Russia, the US has pledged to assist in restoring Moscow’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports, a move that would require easing some Western sanctions.
The agreements follow Trump’s recent discussions with Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Putin rejected a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, a plan that Ukraine had previously supported.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized that Kyiv would regard any unauthorized movement of Russian naval forces outside the eastern Black Sea as a violation, asserting Ukraine’s right to respond in self-defense if necessary.
Restrictions on Energy Strikes
Throughout the war, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power infrastructure with drone and missile strikes, justifying these attacks by claiming that civilian energy facilities support Ukraine’s military operations.
Recently, Ukraine has launched long-range strikes on Russian oil and gas sites, arguing that these facilities supply fuel to Russian troops and generate revenue that funds the war effort.
Russia had previously enforced a naval blockade on Ukraine, disrupting its vital grain exports and contributing to a global food crisis. However, since 2023, Ukraine has managed to reopen its ports and restore trade to near pre-war levels after successfully pushing back Russian naval forces in the eastern Black Sea. This occurred despite the collapse of a previous UN-backed Black Sea shipping agreement.
US Push for Peace Talks
President Trump has actively pushed both sides to expedite an end to the war, fulfilling a key campaign promise from his run for office. At the same time, he is pursuing a diplomatic reset with Russia, which both Washington and Moscow believe could lead to new business opportunities.
However, Ukraine and its European allies remain wary of Trump’s approach. They fear he may broker a deal that compromises Ukraine’s security, particularly if it involves concessions such as withdrawing Kyiv’s NATO aspirations or surrendering territory Russia has claimed. Ukraine has firmly rejected any settlement that equates to capitulation.
