Black Sea
Moscow/Riyadh/Washington: Ukraine and Russia have come to a consensus to pause hostilities in the Black Sea following three days of negotiations facilitated by the United States in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Although this temporary halt in maritime attacks marks a significant step forward, it should not be mistaken for a full cease-fire.
Russia and the United States also reached a consensus to establish protocols for enforcing the agreement made by their respective Presidents, which prohibits attacks on energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine for a period of 30 days beginning March 18, 2025.
This agreement includes provisions for potential extension or withdrawal should either side fail to adhere to the terms. Both nations expressed appreciation for the assistance of third-party countries in facilitating the execution of the energy and maritime agreements.
The energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine that is protected under the temporary ceasefire agreement, reached between the Russian and American representatives, includes several key components. These are oil refineries, oil and gas pipelines along with their storage facilities, which encompass pumping stations. Additionally, the agreement covers electricity generation and transmission systems, such as power plants, substations, transformers, and distribution networks.
Nuclear power plants and hydroelectric dams are also included in this moratorium. Russia, however, sought to clarify in response to media speculation regarding the potential transfer of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to Ukraine or the establishment of joint control with Ukraine, the United States, or international organizations, claiming that the ZNPP is recognized as a Russian nuclear facility, having become part of the Russian Federation following referendums in September 2022 that integrated the Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the reintegration of the plant into the Russian nuclear sector is a well-established reality that the international community must acknowledge. Making it clear that transferring the ZNPP or its control to Ukraine or any other nation is not feasible, it stated that all personnel at the facility are Russian citizens, and their safety cannot be compromised, especially considering the violent actions perpetrated by Ukrainians in the region.
Furthermore, it asserted that the notion of joint operations involving the ZNPP with any other state is unacceptable to Russia, as there are no precedents for such arrangements globally. This would hinder the ability to maintain nuclear safety and address civil liability for nuclear incidents.
Additionally, Moscow said the close collaboration between Ukraine and NATO intelligence agencies, which possess significant sabotage capabilities, renders any temporary access for these states to the ZNPP unthinkable. The involvement of international organizations in the plant’s operations is equally implausible, as none have the mandate or expertise to manage nuclear facilities, it declared. “Pursuant to international law, including key respective conventions, the primary responsibility for ensuring nuclear safety and security on their territory rests with the states themselves. In the case of the ZNPP, it is the Russian Federation with no other option,” it stressed.
Moscow stated that Russia and the United States are committed to pursuing efforts that will lead to a stable and enduring peace, and this temporary ceasefire will be effective for 30 days with the possibility of extension through mutual consent. Should either party breach the terms of the moratorium, the other party is entitled to consider itself released from its obligations under the agreement it warned.
Offering further details, Moscow said the Russian and American delegations committed to advancing the Black Sea Initiative at their meeting, following the agreement made by the US and Russian Presidents. This initiative focuses on ensuring safe navigation, prohibiting the use of force, and preventing the military utilization of commercial vessels in the Black Sea, alongside implementing necessary control measures, including inspections of these vessels.
Secondly, the United States pledged to assist in reinstating Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports, aiming to reduce maritime insurance costs and improve access to ports and payment systems for these transactions.
However, Russia made it clear that the Black Sea Initiative’s implementation, along with the United States’ efforts to restore Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports, will take effect once sanctions on Rosselkhozbank (the Russian Agricultural Bank) and other financial institutions facilitating international food trade, including fish and fish products, are lifted. This includes reconnecting these banks to SWIFT and establishing necessary correspondent accounts.
Additionally, the removal of trade finance operation restrictions, sanctions on companies involved in the production and export of food and fertilizers, and bans on insurance companies dealing with food cargoes will be essential.
Furthermore, lifting restrictions on servicing Russian-flagged ships engaged in food trade and removing barriers to the supply of agricultural machinery and other goods necessary for food production will also be required for the initiative to proceed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin today said the key outcomes from the meeting of expert groups from Russia and the United States on March 25, 2025, were “significant”.
Following high-level discussions between the US President Donald J. Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the United States also organized technical-level negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation from March 23 to 25, 2025, in Riyadh. As a result of these talks, the United States and Ukraine committed to ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, prohibiting the use of force, and preventing commercial vessels from being utilized for military purposes. Additionally, both nations reaffirmed the U.S. dedication to facilitating the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly relocated. They also agreed to establish measures to enforce the agreement made by Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy to refrain from attacking energy facilities in both Russia and Ukraine.
– global bihari bureau
