Ceasefire plans prompt cautious hope amid Black Sea tensions
Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Tuesday that, according to the USA, the execution of ceasefire agreements between Russia and Ukraine, both at sea and concerning energy infrastructure, should begin immediately after the publication of the joint Ukrainian-American and American-Russian statements.
Zelensky expressed that following the official statement from the American side, the implementation of the decisions outlined in the document could commence. He acknowledged a lack of trust in the Russians but emphasised the intention to approach the situation constructively. If that approach is confirmed—particularly through a phone call from the defence minister—Ukraine plans to move forward with implementing the agreements reached during the Ukrainian-American meeting
Earlier, the US Department of State announced in a communiqué from the USA-Russia and USA-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia that Russia and Ukraine had agreed with the United States to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial ships for military purposes in the Black Sea.
USA-Ukraine talks. Statement from the Ukrainian defence minister
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov commented on Tuesday's meeting of the Ukrainian and American delegations in the capital of Saudi Arabia.
"Ukraine and the United States held bilateral technical consultations in Riyadh focused on the security of energy and critical infrastructure, safe navigation in the Black Sea, and the release and return of our prisoners and children," he wrote, adding, "All parties have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea."
The minister also emphasized that all parties agreed to ensure safe navigation, cease the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial ships for military purposes in the Black Sea.
"The Ukrainian side emphasises that all movement by Russia of its military vessels outside of Eastern part of the Black Sea will constitute violation of the spirit of this agreement, will be regarded as violation of the commitment to ensure safe navigation of the Black Sea and threat to the national security of Ukraine. In this case Ukraine will have full right to exercise right to self-defence," Umerov explained.
