Second, the United States has re-linked agricultural financial institutions and companies that manage Russian agricultural exports to the SWIFT international payments system. This move would be an incredible success for the peace discussions between Ukraine and Russia. The decision came just after an agreement between Ukrainian and US officials to stop missile strikes in the Black Sea. The deal, despite extending full ceasefire coverage beyond the 30 days originally called for by the White House, was deemed insufficient.
Finally, Russia appears to have committed to no longer use force in the Black Sea. This move depends on the removal of sanctions placed on its financial institutions and export sectors as a result of its violent incursion into Ukraine. The White House initially announced earlier this month that both sides had agreed to stop attacking energy related infrastructure. In exchange, Ukraine has agreed to stop curtailing military operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the attacks, stating:
"Launching such large-scale attacks after ceasefire negotiations is a clear signal to the whole world that Moscow is not going to pursue real peace." – Volodymyr Zelensky
Despite US President Donald Trump’s optimism regarding Russia, he did admit that their breakout might take a little longer than planned. In an interview with Newsmax, Trump shared his thoughts on the matter:
"I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they’re dragging their feet. I’ve done it over the years." – Donald Trump
The agreement followed days of parallel talks with Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As a result, lifting sanctions on Russia’s agricultural bank and other financial institutions is surely welcome first steps. It’s still not enough to meet the first US half of those earlier goals.
The White House released a statement emphasizing the goals of the agreement:
"to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea." – The White House
President Trump's administration is currently reviewing Russia's conditions for the agreement. Trump commented:
"We’re thinking about all of them right now. There are five or six conditions. We are looking at all of them." – Donald Trump
