Ceasefire Accord: A New Dawn in Black Sea Navigation

Ukraine's defence minister confirmed that Kyiv agreed to ceasefire deals with Russia, facilitated by the US. The agreements aim to ensure Black Sea navigation safety and ban strikes on energy facilities in both nations. Kyiv warns against Russian naval movements beyond the eastern Black Sea.

In a move towards restoring peace, Ukraine's Defence Minister announced that Kyiv has consented to two ceasefire agreements with Russia, brokered by the United States. The accords, welcomed by Kyiv, seek support from third countries for effective implementation.

According to the U.S. negotiation, separate deals with Kyiv and Moscow will ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and impose restrictions on assaults against energy installations in both Ukraine and Russia. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted that all sides had committed to secure maritime routes, eliminate military force, and prevent the military use of commercial vessels within the Black Sea.

However, Ukraine asserts it would consider any Russian naval activities beyond the eastern Black Sea as a breach of the agreement's terms, reserving the right to self-defense. Umerov emphasized agreement on taking steps to prevent strikes on each other's energy infrastructures, a significant shift amid ongoing tensions marked by Ukrainian drone attacks and Russian missile assaults since the 2022 invasion.

(With inputs from agencies.)