White House says Russia, Ukraine agree to ‘eliminate the use of force’ in Black Sea
The White House announced Tuesday it came to an agreement with Ukraine and Russia to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea, as well as end strikes on energy facilities, marking one of the more significant steps the Trump administration has seen toward a stop in fighting.
The agreement will “ensure safe navigation” and “prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes” in the Black Sea, a critical waterway for Ukraine’s exports. The announcement did not include a start date for the truce.
Russian state media TASS said the Kremlin was in favor of restarting talks about the Black Sea Initiative, which was a proposed deal in 2022.
The White House’s announcement comes two days into the latest round of shuttle diplomacy in Saudi Arabia. U.S. officials have held a series of meetings with Russian and Ukrainian negotiators.
Earlier Tuesday, Russian officials said there was no ceasefire deal yet, with negotiations focused on two limited ceasefire agreements after Russian President Vladimir Putin declined a broader 30-day ceasefire.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Russia is still analyzing the results of the talks, but the details would “certainly” not be made public, though dialogue between the countries would continue.
However, the White House released a pair of statements announcing the agreements with Ukraine and Russia.
The White House said it agreed with Ukraine to exchange prisoners of war, release civilian detainees, continue the plan to ban strikes against energy facilities in Russia and Ukraine and “continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.”
The administration also announced it had come to an agreement with Russia to restore the country's access to "the world market for agriculture and fertilizer exports," as well as lowering maritime insurance costs and access to ports and transaction systems.
“The United States reiterated to both sides President Donald J. Trump’s imperative that the killing on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict must stop, as the necessary step toward achieving an enduring peace settlement,” the White House said.
The Trump administration thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia's help in facilitating the discussions.
The White House said it will continue facilitating negotiations between both sides in line with agreements made over the last few days.
Updated at 12:30 p.m. EDT
| 1d 12:16 PM ET ago |
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Ukraine and Russia agree to Black Sea and energy infrastructure ceasefire
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Russia and Ukraine agree to ‘eliminate the use of force’ in Black Sea
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Russia and Ukraine have agreed to "ensure safe navigation" and "eliminate the use of force" in the Black Sea, in a deal announced by the Trump administration.CBS News - 1d -
Russia, Ukraine agree to stop fighting in Black Sea to enable shipping
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to "ensure safe navigation" and "eliminate the use of force" in the Black Sea, in a deal announced by the Trump administration.CBS News - 1d -
Russia and Ukraine agree to Black Sea ceasefire, US says – Europe live
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The deal was limited, and it was not clear when or how it would start. The Kremlin also demanded some Western sanctions be lifted first.The New York Times - 1d -
Ukraine and Russia Agree to Cease Fighting in the Black Sea, White House Says
The deal was limited, and it was not clear when or how it would start. The Kremlin also demanded some Western sanctions be lifted first.The New York Times - 1d
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