Tentative Black Sea ceasefire on the table

A tentative naval ceasefire has been reached in the Black Sea after more than three years of war between Ukraine and Russia, however, many issues need to be ironed out before the two sides down weapons at sea.

The US, which has been brokering the deal, said yesterday it would also extend to a ban on strikes against energy infrastructure.

The White House said agreements “to ensure safe navigation” in the Black Sea has been agreed as well as deal to prevent the use of commercial shipping for military purposes.

The US claimed it would help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions, something that Ukraine and its allies are likely to question.

The Kremlin confirmed the agreement on safe navigation in the Black Sea in a statement late Tuesday but said it was dependent on sanction relief for banks and companies involved in agricultural exports.

Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, commented yesterday: “From the beginning of the war in Ukraine, seafarers from all over the world have paid a heavy price, with many trapped on their ships in Black Sea ports. Just in the last few weeks, multiple seafarers have been killed by shelling. Today’s words must be accompanied by meaningful action to ensure that safe passage for seafarers is strictly maintained.