Russia and Ukraine agree to Black Sea ceasefire deal as White House confirms halt to strikes on energy infrastructure
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a Black Sea ceasefire deal, the US confirmed on Tuesday, with both nations pledging to stop strikes on infrastructure and vessels in the region.
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The White House said the US 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.
The United States added it had made separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to ensure all navigation through the area is protected and risks minimised.
The deal is said to ban the use of air strikes against energy facilities in both countries as part of a wider ceasefire effort.
In a significant move, Washington pledged to help restore Russia's access to global markets - specifically agricultural and fertiliser exports which provide the country with heavy funding.
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The added White House pledge leaves a large question mark over Western sanctions against Russia going forward.
The US added it will remain committed to returning Ukrainian children who have been forcibly taken from Ukraine into Russia during the invasion.
A statement released on Tuesday from Ukraine's defence minister, Rustem Umerov, said the nation 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 talks, taking place in Saudi Arabia, saw Ukraine and US delegations meet in the latest attempt to broker a ceasefire deal with Russia.
In a statement from Umerov, he added that Kyiv will class the movement of any Russian military vessels outside of eastern part of the Black Sea a constitute violation of the spirit of this agreement.
"In this case Ukraine will have full right to exercise right to self-defence."
The White House's statement in full
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.
The United States will help restore Russia's access to the world market for agricultural and fertiliser exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.
The United States and Russia agreed to 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 welcome the good offices of third countries with a view toward supporting the implementation of the energy and maritime agreements.
The United States and Russia will continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.
The United States reiterated President Donald J. Trump's imperative that the killing on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict must stop, as the necessary step toward achieving an enduring peace settlement.
To that end, the United States will continue facilitating negotiations between both sides to achieve a peaceful resolution, in line with the agreements made in Riyadh.
The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.