New agreement sees the reinstatement of Black Sea security

The Black Sea maritime security deal seeks to prevent attacks on Ukrainian ports, which remain crucial for global food exports despite ongoing Russian airstrikes. As part of the deal with Russia, Washington agreed to push for lifting some sanctions on Russian agriculture and fertilizer exports, a long-standing demand from Moscow. 

Key outcomes

• 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 fertilizer 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.

We welcome today’s announcement of an end to military strikes in the Black Sea. But we must remember that seafarers are not political pawns. All parties should put the safety of seafarers first, and ensure that any agreement properly protects them from harm.

… said Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity. She further explained that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, seafarers from around the world had paid a heavy price, with many being trapped on their ships in Black Sea ports. She noted that, in recent weeks, multiple seafarers had been killed by shelling. Layde emphasized that the announcement needed to be followed by meaningful action to ensure safe passage for seafarers was strictly maintained.

Any maritime ceasefire must be a practical solution which prioritises the safety of seafarers who keep the world’s supply chains running

… Layde concluded.