Ukrainian defense minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea after being involved in talks mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia.
He confirmed the news on X/Twitter
Umerov explained in a post on X/Twitter that Ukraine has had “bilateral technical consultations” with the US in Saudi Arabia where the two spoke about “the security of energy and critical infrastructure, safe navigation in the Black Sea, and the release and return of our prisoners and children.”
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The defense minister reiterated the need for peace
He reiterated Ukraine’s desire to reach a peace deal, saying, “Fulfilling the task of the President of Ukraine, we continue to work on bringing a just peace and ensuring security for our country.”
“This meeting is a logical extension of the successful consultations with the United States in Jeddah. No one wants a just peace more than Ukrainians, and our position remains honest, transparent and consistent,” he added.
Umerov explained where the conversation had led
Explaining what all parties agreed on following the meeting, Umerov wrote, “Key outputs: 1. All parties have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.”
The Black Sea is an important trade location
A ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea is crucial for trade. The Black Sea, which is located between Europe and Asia and is on the borders of both Russia and Ukraine, is used by both countries for exporting a variety of goods, mainly grain which they are one of the main exporters of across the globe.
The defense minister warned about breaching of the ceasefire
Umerov also added, “Important! The Ukrainian side emphasizes that all movement by Russia of its military vessels outside of Eastern part of the Black Sea will constitute violation of the spirit of this agreement, will be regarded as violation of the commitment to ensure safe navigation of the Black Sea and threat to the national security of Ukraine. In this case Ukraine will have full right to exercise right to self-defense.”
Other results that came from the discussion
Umerov explained other conclusions from the ceasefire discussion in Saudi Arabia, saying parties have agreed to instill “measures for implementing the Presidents’ agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Ukraine and Russia.”
He also stated that all parties are working towards lasting peace and welcome “third countries with a view toward supporting the implementation of the energy and maritime agreements.”
The Kremlin has also confirmed the ceasefire deal
According to the BBC, Russia has also confirmed this ceasefire deal.
Russia and Ukraine had had a 120-day Black Sea ceasefire deal implemented in 2022 which Russia pulled out of in July 2023 after multiple extensions, claiming that key parts of the deal weren’t implemented at the time.
Zelenskyy spoke to reporters about the deal
Speaking to reporters about the newly made ceasefire deal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned about its violation, saying, “If the Russians violate this, then I have a direct question for President Trump. If they violate, here is the evidence – we ask for sanctions, we ask for weapons, etc.”
