After weeks of on-again, off-again negotiations, Russia and Ukraine have made a significant move toward de-escalation, agreeing to a partial ceasefire over the Black Sea. While the agreement signals the possibility of reducing hostilities, it is already facing scrutiny and skepticism.
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a partial Black Sea ceasefire, with Ukraine’s President Zelensky raising concerns over Russia’s conditions. The U.S.-brokered deal faces scrutiny amidst unresolved sanctions and past violations.
The White House facilitated the deal and announced that it brokered the ceasefire after holding separate meetings with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Though the agreement comes as a positive development, it is far less comprehensive than what was envisioned in earlier talks held between the U.S. and Ukraine in Jeddah, as noted by BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale.
One of the key challenges to the ceasefire is the conditions set forth by Russia. The Kremlin insists that sanctions must be lifted, and Russia’s access to the SWIFT payment network must be restored before fully committing to the agreement. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly been considering these demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has cast doubt on the sincerity of Russia’s intentions, accusing Moscow of misrepresenting the terms.
Beyond this, there are additional concerns about whether the ceasefire can hold. Russia has a track record of violating agreements, and there is growing skepticism regarding the extent to which the U.S. is prioritizing Ukraine's interests. Ukraine has already warned that any movement of Russian warships to the west will be treated as a breach of the deal.
Despite these uncertainties, Zelensky has expressed cautious optimism, stating that the agreement represents “the right steps” toward peace. He acknowledged, however, that much remains unresolved.
As highlighted by BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, both sides may still feel tempted to continue fighting. But for now, this ceasefire could serve as a crucial starting point in laying the groundwork for a broader peace agreement.
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