Black Sea Navigation Deal Reignites Hopes for Peace

The United States announced a new agreement reached with Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, mirroring a 2022 deal. Talks involved measures to prevent military use of commercial vessels and discussed partial ceasefires in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

In a bid to ensure safety in the Black Sea, the United States declared an agreement with Ukrainian and Russian delegates after extensive discussions in Saudi Arabia. The deal aims to prevent military exploitation of commercial vessels, harking back to a 2022 UN-brokered agreement disrupted by Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed conditional openness to the revival but underlined the necessity of protecting Russian interests. Additionally, the White House hinted at aiding Russia's access to global markets for its agricultural exports as part of this renewed understanding.

Meanwhile, efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict persist, with both sides continuing to engage in hostilities. The diplomatic talks in Riyadh, though progressing, did not involve direct interactions between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, leaving the path toward peace uncertain.

(With inputs from agencies.)