Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, according to a recent announcement from the White House.
The statement says: “The United States and Russia 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.”
It goes on to state, “The United States will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertiliser exports, lower maritime insurance costs, enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions, develop measures for implementing President Trump’s and President Putin’s agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine. The United States and Russia will continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.”
Three questions emerge from this. First, is this the first hint of progress towards a ceasefire in the war more generally, something that until now has looked unlikely? Second, what impact will it have on trade to and from Black Sea Ports, if any. Third, what will it mean to Ukraine’s hard won maritime dominance there?
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, according to a recent announcement from the White House.
The statement says: “The United States and Russia 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.”
It goes on to state, “The United States will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertiliser exports, lower maritime insurance costs, enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions, develop measures for implementing President Trump’s and President Putin’s agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine. The United States and Russia will continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.”
Three questions emerge from this. First, is this the first hint of progress towards a ceasefire in the war more generally, something that until now has looked unlikely? Second, what impact will it have on trade to and from Black Sea Ports, if any. Third, what will it mean to Ukraine’s hard won maritime dominance there?