Russia-U.S. Collaboration Aims to Lift Sanctions for Maritime Security Deal

The U.S. and Russia have agreed on potential sanctions relief to revive a maritime security deal in the Black Sea. This involves easing restrictions on Russian goods such as food and fertilizers, previously hindered by European sanctions. The agreement, originally established in 2022, seeks to facilitate safe navigation and trade.

In a significant development, Russia announced on Tuesday that the United States had consented to assist in lifting a series of Western sanctions on Russian food, fertilizer, and shipping companies. This forms a precondition for a renewed maritime security agreement in the Black Sea.

The negotiations, involving the U.S. and Russia, seek to ease European Union sanctions. The deal is a revival of the Black Sea Initiative from 2022, initially facilitated by Turkey and the United Nations. This initiative enabled Ukraine to export grain while ensuring inspections to prevent arms movement.

Although Russian exports are not directly impacted by Western sanctions, barriers concerning payments and logistics have posed challenges. As the world's top wheat and fertilizer exporter, Russia aims to increase agricultural exports by 50% by 2030, targeting markets in the Middle East and beyond.

(With inputs from agencies.)