- U.S. Pushes for Black Sea Maritime Ceasefire to Ensure Safe Shipping.
- Russia Prioritizes ‘Safety of Navigation’ in Black Sea Negotiations.
- Black Sea Grain Initiative Back in Focus as U.S.-Russia Talks Continue.
U.S. and Russian officials gathered in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to talk about a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, with special emphasis on negotiating a Black Sea maritime ceasefire. The U.S. wants to guarantee the unimpeded flow of shipping in the area, which has not seen heavy military action in months, reports Safety4Sea.
Russia’s Stance on Black Sea Security
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted Russia’s concerns, stating:“The safety of navigation” is the primary concern.
He also noted that a previous Black Sea shipping agreement had failed to meet Moscow’s expectations, Reuters reported.
Black Sea Grain Initiative Is Back in Discussions
The talks also went back to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a deal facilitated in July 2022 among Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations. The agreement permitted Ukraine to ship grain and other agricultural produce from Black Sea ports during the war. It also set the stage to secure ships carrying these commodities.
Russia’s Pullout from the Grain Deal
The initiative was initially a success, and it enabled the export of close to 33 million metric tons of grain. Russia, though, pulled out of the deal in 2023, citing that its own food and fertilizer exports were still being hindered despite the conditions of the agreement.
Future of Black Sea Trade and Security
Both sides are currently discussing potential solutions to restore trade stability and maritime security in the region as negotiations remain ongoing. Uncertainty surrounds whether a new deal is possible, but ensuring safe passage in the Black Sea is a priority shared by both parties.
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Source: Safety4Sea
