Russia (Washington Insider Magazine)— The breakthrough comes after separate U.S.-brokered talks with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to U.S. sources, the discussions focused narrowly on de-escalation in the Black Sea to prevent economic collapse in global grain markets and avoid maritime disasters involving neutral cargo ships.
This deal differs from the more ambitious ceasefire proposals floated earlier during talks in Jeddah, highlighting how negotiations have been scaled back to more focused goals, such as protecting trade routes.
Russia’s Conditions: Sanctions Relief and Swift Reinstatement
Russia has tied its commitment to the ceasefire to a series of economic demands, including:
- Lifting of sanctions on its banking and insurance sectors
- Re-entry into the SWIFT payment system
- Removal of restrictions on food exporters
These conditions raise doubts over the immediate implementation of the truce. Russia has a long track record of delaying or reversing peace agreements, and its latest demands are seen as a way to gain economic relief while preserving military leverage.
Zelensky’s Doubts and Red Lines
Zelensky has urged caution, stating that Ukrainian forces will view any westward movement of Russian warships as a breach of the agreement. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged the deal as “the right steps” but insisted it was far from comprehensive peace.
He also emphasized that Ukraine had not agreed to any territorial concessions, pushing back against speculation that Kyiv might freeze hostilities in exchange for limited security guarantees.
Expert Analysis: A Ceasefire That Could Collapse at Any Time
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner warns that despite the temporary calm, this agreement could unravel at any moment. Russia’s past violations of ceasefires — including during the 2015 Minsk agreements — cast a long shadow over current negotiations.
While both nations may be feeling the exhaustion of prolonged warfare, neither side has achieved decisive strategic goals, leaving incentives for further conflict intact.
Conclusion: A Pause, Not Peace
The Black Sea ceasefire marks a modest diplomatic achievement and offers a temporary reprieve for international shipping and agriculture markets. However, with Zelensky accusing Moscow of dishonesty and Russia demanding sanction relief, the agreement remains highly fragile.
The world will be watching not just for compliance, but also for signs that this localized truce could become the foundation for a broader peace — or simply another footnote in a long and bloody war.
