A tentative step towards peace has been taken between Russia and Ukraine, as the two countries agreed to halt military activity over the Black Sea. The agreement was brokered by the White House in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh after high-level talks. However, it comes with complications, including Russia’s list of conditions that must be met before it will commit.
Russia’s demands include lifting sanctions and reinstating membership to the Swift payment network, which US President Trump is considering. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of lying about the terms of the agreement, citing concerns over the durability of the deal. Despite these worries, Zelensky remains cautiously optimistic, saying the agreement represents “the right steps” towards peace.
The agreement is seen as a chance for both sides to lay groundwork for a wider ceasefire, despite the temptation to keep fighting. With Russia’s history of breaking agreements, Ukraine is wary that the movement of Russian warships westward will be treated as a violation of terms. Nevertheless, this fragile deal offers a glimmer of hope for peace in the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c4g7w7521w0t