The United States is assessing Russia’s conditions following Moscow’s agreement “in principle” to a U.S.-brokered Black Sea ceasefire with Ukraine, aimed at ensuring safe navigation and halting military use of commercial vessels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the development on Wednesday after talks in Saudi Arabia led to parallel agreements between the U.S. and both Ukraine and Russia.
Rubio noted that Russia has laid out specific demands, which Washington will now review and present to President Donald Trump, who took office on January 20 and has advocated for ending the war. The U.S. is seeking clarity on Russia’s requests as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Russia’s conditions largely mirror those previously outlined in 2023, including the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to SWIFT, resumption of agricultural equipment supplies, and the lifting of restrictions on insurance, port access, and financial operations for Russian food and fertilizer exports. Though these exports aren't directly sanctioned, Russia argues that payment and logistics barriers hinder trade.
The original Black Sea grain deal, brokered by the U.N. and Turkey in 2022, allowed Ukrainian grain exports and supported Russian agricultural trade. However, Moscow exited the agreement in July 2023, citing unmet conditions. The Kremlin reiterated these demands in recent statements.
The European Commission responded by stating that sanctions relief depends on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Meanwhile, the White House confirmed it had agreed to support Russia’s agricultural trade as part of the ceasefire, including reducing maritime insurance costs and improving port and payment access.
As diplomacy unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping the ceasefire efforts will ease conflict and restore stability in the Black Sea.