In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has brokered separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to halt attacks in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure. As part of the deal with Moscow, Washington has pledged to advocate for the easing of certain sanctions related to Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports. 

The Kremlin has stipulated that these agreements will only take effect if specific Russian banks regain access to the international financial system. Conversely, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserts that the truce is unconditional and should be implemented immediately, accusing Russia of attempting to "manipulate" the terms.

Both Kyiv and Moscow have expressed skepticism regarding each other's commitment to the accords and are looking to Washington to ensure compliance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the need for "clear guarantees," suggesting that only direct orders from Washington to Kyiv would suffice. 

These agreements, reached after discussions in Saudi Arabia, represent the first formal commitments by both nations since President Donald Trump initiated efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and improve U.S.-Russia relations. However, concerns remain among Ukraine and its European allies about potential concessions to Russia. 

The maritime truce aims to address issues stemming from the early stages of the war, when Russian blockades of Ukrainian ports contributed to a global food crisis. The energy ceasefire is set to last 30 days, with hopes that these steps will pave the way for broader peace negotiations.