On Tuesday, the United States facilitated important agreements with Ukraine and Russia to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and to ban attacks against each country’s energy infrastructure.
During a press conference in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlighted the consequences of any breach. “If Russia fails to comply, we will directly seek support from President Trump, asking for sanctions and military aid,” he stated firmly.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the necessity for solid assurances. “We require clear commitments, directed from Washington to President Zelenskiy and his team, to adhere strictly to these agreements,” he said.
🔴 The #UnitedStates said on Tuesday it had secured separate agreements with #Ukraine and #Russia to ensure safe navigation in the #BlackSea and to ban strikes against their respective energy facilities.
Read more: https://t.co/TNcRROW8oA pic.twitter.com/YLkaNhLoK0
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) March 25, 2025These agreements, initiated in Saudi Arabia, stem from efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has committed to swiftly ending the conflict. His administration has moved from a strong pro-Ukraine stance to a more neutral position, including engagement with Moscow.
Details of the Agreement with Moscow
Under this agreement, the U.S. promises to aid Russia in restoring access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports. This assistance will include lifting certain sanctions following discussions between Presidents Trump, Zelenskiy, and Putin.
Read: US Optimistic on Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Deal in Weeks
Russia agreed to adhere to the Black Sea Initiative, which includes commitments to ensure safety, avoid force, and prevent the military use of commercial vessels. Specific measures, such as stringent inspections, will enforce these terms.
NEW: US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials reached some agreements for temporary ceasefires on strikes against energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea. The details of these ceasefires remain unclear and evaluating the ceasefires’ specifics in the absence of officially published… pic.twitter.com/ASBxB5dvLA
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) March 25, 2025The Kremlin has stated that these safety measures will activate after several conditions are met, including easing restrictions on key Russian financial and trade sectors.
With these measures, the U.S. aims to foster a stable environment in the Black Sea region, potentially paving the way for lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
