Russia and Ukraine Agree to Black Sea Ceasefire, Disputes Over Sanctions Persist

The US-mediated agreement aims to ensure safe civilian shipping and halt energy infrastructure attacks for 30 days, but Russia conditions its implementation on sanctions relief, raising doubts about its viability.

Russia and Ukraine have committed to refraining from attacks in the Black Sea, ensuring safe civilian shipping and preventing the use of merchant ships for military purposes.
The agreement includes a 30-day ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure, but its enforcement remains uncertain with mutual accusations of non-compliance.
Russia has tied its adherence to the agreement to the lifting of Western sanctions, including access to SWIFT and easing restrictions on agricultural exports.
Ukraine has expressed skepticism about Russia's intentions and criticized Moscow's demands for sanctions relief as undermining global pressure on the Kremlin.
The United States continues to mediate between the two nations, offering support for Russian agricultural exports while facing challenges in securing broader peace negotiations.