Overview

• 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.