Tue Mar 25 17:50:03 UTC 2025: ## US Brokers Ceasefire Deal Between Russia and Ukraine in Black Sea

**Washington, D.C. – March 25, 2025** – Following three days of intense negotiations in Riyadh, brokered by the United States, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure. The agreement, announced late Tuesday, comes after pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The White House stated that both countries have pledged to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, prohibiting the use of force and commercial vessels for military purposes. The U.S. also committed to enforcing a ban on strikes against energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia.

However, the Kremlin has stipulated that the Black Sea ceasefire is contingent upon the lifting of restrictions on Russia’s agricultural sector. This includes restoring access for the Russian Agricultural Bank and other related financial institutions to the SWIFT international payment system. In a reciprocal move, the U.S. announced it would assist in restoring access to global markets for Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports, a move that has drawn criticism from Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the agreements represent “the right steps,” it remains too early to determine their effectiveness. He voiced concern that the U.S. concessions might weaken sanctions pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy also suggested Turkey and a Middle Eastern nation could oversee the Black Sea and energy agreements, respectively.

Despite this limited ceasefire, heavy fighting continues on the ground. Russia reported advances in eastern and southern Ukraine, while Ukraine reported intercepting the majority of a large-scale Russian drone attack. The death toll from a recent Russian strike in Sumy, Ukraine, continues to rise, with over 100 wounded, including many children. While Russia and Ukraine have agreed to this limited ceasefire, broader peace talks remain stalled, with significant disagreements persisting.

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