03/28/2025
It’s not the full 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine that US President Donald Trump demanded – far from it. But it is a deal with both Russia and Ukraine and, therefore, a rare sign of progress.
The White House announced Tuesday that both Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a limited deal restricting military action in the Black Sea – albeit with several conditions.
The key part of the agreement seeks to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping and to stop military strikes in the Black Sea. Russia and Ukraine would essentially get back unfettered access to ports crucial for their exports of grain and other agricultural produce.
Ukraine, which has waged a devastatingly successful drone campaign against the Russian Black Sea Fleet, has made clear that any return movement of Russian naval vessels would be seen by them as a violation.
A second part of the agreement includes the US and Russia developing measures to halt strikes on Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities for a period of 30 days – yet more progress, albeit partial.