The long and arduous journey towards peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, with numerous obstacles in the path. Despite the external pressures from various countries and the relentless opposition from the USAID-media complex, progress inches forward thanks to relentless American mediation efforts.
Just yesterday, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, significant strides were made as the U.S. brokered separate agreements with Russia and Ukraine. These agreements cover a security arrangement in the Black Sea and a temporary halt to attacks on energy and infrastructure.
In a bold move to advance peace, the Trump administration consented to easing some sanctions on Moscow. After the pivotal announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the deal would be implemented immediately. However, Moscow insisted that specific conditions be met before activating the Black Sea maritime security arrangement.
It’s important to note that, unlike Ukraine, Russia has adhered to previous agreements to avoid attacking energy and infrastructure.
According to a Reuters report, Russia highlights that while its food and fertilizer exports are not directly affected by Western sanctions, logistical and payment restrictions have impeded shipments. Russia seeks the reconnection of its state agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT system—steps that require Eurozone concurrence.
“As for the Black Sea grain initiative, it can be activated after a number of conditions are implemented”, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “These are the same conditions that were included in the (original) Black Sea Initiative…all the conditions of which were fulfilled except for those concerning the Russian side. So, of course, this time round justice must prevail and we will continue our work with the Americans”.
Moscow withdrew from the original deal back in 2023, citing unmet promises related to its food and fertilizer exports under the UN and Turkey-brokered 2022 agreement.
“Trump’s fulfillment of his vow to end the horrific war in Ukraine advances even further, as Russia and Ukraine agree to cease all fighting in the Black Sea and finalize their deal to not attack energy infrastructure. Biden/Harris never tried diplomacy.”
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald)
March 25, 2025
Further developments emerged as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that Moscow’s trust in Kyiv is shattered after the 2023 grain deal fell apart. Lavrov emphasizes that Moscow will only accept terms enforced by Washington.
“RUSSIA: WE’LL SIGN BLACK SEA DEAL—IF U.S. GIVES ZELENSKY THE ORDER. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow no longer trusts Kyiv after the 2023 collapse of the original grain deal and would only accept terms enforced by Washington. The new maritime ceasefire is seen…”
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal)
March 25, 2025
