A ceasefire agreement concerning the Black Sea has been reached between Ukraine and Russia, following talks facilitated by the United States.
In a detailed announcement on Twitter, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the partial ceasefire. He noted that Ukraine had ‘bilateral technical consultations’ with the US in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, addressing topics like ‘the security of energy and critical infrastructure, safe navigation in the Black Sea, and the release and return of our prisoners and children’.
He stated, “Fulfilling the task of the President of Ukraine, we continue to work on bringing a just peace and ensuring security for our country. This meeting is a logical extension of the successful consultations with the United States in Jeddah. No one wants a just peace more than Ukrainians, and our position remains honest, transparent and consistent.”
Umerov shared specifics of the meeting’s outcomes: “Key outputs: 1. All parties have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.”
The Black Sea, positioned between Europe and Asia, is pivotal for Russia’s export of grain, fertilizer, and other commodities.
Umerov added, “Important! The Ukrainian side emphasizes that all movement by Russia of its military vessels outside of Eastern part of the Black Sea will constitute violation of the spirit of this agreement, will be regarded as violation of the commitment to ensure safe navigation of the Black Sea and threat to the national security of Ukraine. In this case Ukraine will have full right to exercise right to self-defense.”
The discussions also led to agreements on ‘measures for implementing the Presidents’ agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Ukraine and Russia’, as mentioned by Umerov.
He elaborated: “3. All parties welcome the good offices of third countries with a view toward supporting the implementation of the energy and maritime agreements.
“4. All parties will continue working towards achieving a durable and lasting peace.
“5. With Ukraine, the US reiterated its support to help achieve the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
“For the effective implementation of the arrangements, it is important to hold additional technical consultations as soon as possible to agree on all the details and technical aspects of the implementation, monitoring and control of the arrangements.”
The Kremlin has verified Russia’s consent to the ceasefire.
In remarks to reporters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his belief that the ceasefire would take effect immediately.
He remarked: “If the Russians violate this, then I have a direct question for President Trump.
“If they violate, here is the evidence – we ask for sanctions, we ask for weapons, etc.”