Washington/Moscow/Kyiv, March 26 (H.S.): The White House announced on Tuesday that Ukraine and Russia have theoretically agreed to cease hostilities in the Black Sea; however, the Kremlin emphasized that it has several conditions that need to be met for the agreement to be enacted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia for allegedly trying to manipulate the agreement, stating that they are misleading both mediators and the international community. U.S. officials have conducted meetings with both Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia in a bid to clarify the agreement’s terms, which include ensuring safe navigation and preventing the military use of commercial vessels in the Black Sea.

Following the White House’s statements, Zelenskyy held a press conference in Kyiv confirming Ukraine’s commitment to cease military actions in the region. However, the Kremlin responded that it would only comply if sanctions on its banks and agricultural exports were lifted, sanctions that were imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. President Trump acknowledged that his administration is considering Russia’s conditions, which he indicated number around five or six.

Zelenskyy refuted claims from the Kremlin regarding an agreement to ban attacks on energy infrastructure, accusing them of dishonesty. The White House reiterated its commitment to facilitating negotiations on war prisoner exchanges and returning Ukrainian children. Additionally, an arrangement involving the UN and Turkey has allowed Ukraine to export grain through sea routes, bypassing Russian blockades. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned that Moscow is reviewing the outcomes of recent talks with American officials, but there are currently no plans for discussions between Trump and Putin.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar