Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a limited ceasefire to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, as announced by the White House on Tuesday (March 25). The agreement aims to eliminate the use of force and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. Both countries have also committed to developing measures to implement a ban on strikes against energy infrastructure.
According to The Guardian, the United States facilitated separate talks with Ukraine and Russia, resulting in this agreement. The U.S. has also pledged to help restore Russia's access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports, while working with Ukraine on the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of forcibly transferred children.
Despite the agreement, tensions remain high. NBC News reports that Russian drone strikes continue in Ukraine, with Kyiv and other regions experiencing attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for more weapons and sanctions if Russia violates the ceasefire.
The agreement follows a series of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where U.S. officials met with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives. AP News notes that the ceasefire is part of a broader effort to achieve a lasting peace, though challenges remain as both sides continue to engage in hostilities.