Russia Will Consider Black Sea Ceasefire Conditional on Lifting Western Sanctions

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On March 25, 2025, the US announced a preliminary agreement aimed at ensuring safe shipping routes in the Black Sea between Ukraine and Russia. Though, Russia has made it clear that its full commitment hinges on lifting Western sanctions affecting its agricultural exports and banking sector—something Ukraine and its allies firmly oppose.

This tentative deal emerged after three days of indirect discussions held in Saudi Arabia. While it doesn’t establish a complete ceasefire, it represents an attempt to ease regional tensions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism but highlighted that critically important issues remain unresolved. During these talks, US officials engaged separately with both parties in Riyadh to outline key points of the agreement:

• Assurance that commercial vessels will not face attacks in the Black Sea.
• A mutual commitment from both nations to refrain from military actions threatening shipping.
• An explicit understanding that commercial ships won’t be utilized for military purposes.

This arrangement echoes the 2022 grain deal facilitated by Turkey and the UN, which allowed Ukraine to export grain amid ongoing conflict. That pact fell apart in 2023 when Russia withdrew, claiming western nations failed to alleviate restrictions on its food and fertilizer exports.

While American officials view this truce as progress, Russia is vocal about its demands: lifting sanctions on banks and reinstating access to SWIFT for international payments.The US is currently evaluating these requests; however, Ukraine remains steadfast against any sanction relief. Zelenskyy cautioned that conceding would only bolster Russia’s position while his country continues fighting for survival.

A senior Ukrainian official anonymously criticized Russia’s approach as using peace negotiations merely as leverage for economic gain: “They haven’t done anything worthy of easing sanctions,” he remarked. “it’s all manipulation.”

Concerns also arise from Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov regarding potential threats posed by Russian warships operating in