Kremlin sets conditions for ceasefire in Black Sea

According to Ukrinform, citing BBC News Russian, the statement follows negotiations between Russian and U.S. delegations in Saudi Arabia.

Russia confirmed the terms previously published by the White House after the talks in Riyadh, but added that the provision on safe navigation would only be enforced if certain sanctions on Russia are lifted.

Russia outlined four key conditions, among them lifting sanctions on Rosselkhozbank (RSHB) and other financial institutions involved in food and fertilizer trade, reconnecting them to the SWIFT system, and reopening correspondent banking accounts; removing sanctions on Russian food and fertilizer producers and exporters; lifting restrictions on port services for ships engaged in food and fertilizer exports and removing sanctions on Russian-flagged vessels; and eliminating trade barriers on agricultural equipment and other goods essential for food and fertilizer production in Russia.

On March 25, Ukrainian and U.S. delegations held another round of talks in Riyadh, following U.S.-Ukraine discussions on March 23 and U.S.-Russia talks on March 24.

Washington and Kyiv agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.

Additionally, after the March 24 U.S.-Russia meeting, the White House confirmed that the United States would help restore Russia's access to global agricultural markets.

Photo: Sergey Alimov/GI