The White House confirmed Tuesday that during “technical-level” talks in Riyadh, the two sides agreed to ensure safe navigation in the region.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Black Sea Initiative – a deal originally brokered in 2022 – was a key focus of the US-Russia talks, according to the state-owned TASS news agency.
On Friday, a swarm of Russian drones struck the southern port city of Odesa, flying at higher altitudes before plunging towards their targets and exploding on impact. The tactic makes the drones harder to detect by air defence systems but reduces their accuracy, increasing the likelihood of civilian casualties, an expert said.
Lord said that Ukraine’s ability to neutralise the drones is further limited because its more advanced air defence systems must be conserved for higher-priority threats.
He also noted that Russia may be using the strikes to send a political message. “Hitting Odesa – a city of strategic and symbolic importance – could be a demonstration that they can strike wherever they want, regardless of the Black Sea deal.”
“The Russian surface fleet has already pulled back from conducting operations due to the threat of Ukrainian naval drones,” he explained. “A ceasefire in the Black Sea would decrease the threat to Russia’s vessels, which may be one of their motivations for the deal.”
Russia seeks to delay deal
“There may be more progress than meets the eye – but Russia will want to delay any meaningful agreements as long as they maintain the upper hand on the battlefield.”
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who is leading Kyiv’s delegation, said military, diplomatic, and energy representatives participated in the 23 March discussions.
So far, however, Russia has rejected Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, instead agreeing only to suspend strikes on energy infrastructure.
“It’s an empty offer,” he said. “Russia could present it to Trump as a goodwill gesture, signalling that they’re serious about a ceasefire. But in reality, it serves their interests.”
square NEWS Big ReadI treat Ukrainian children stolen by Russia - Musk was wrong to axe rescue team
Read More
Lord warned that Russia is unlikely to compromise unless its battlefield position deteriorates. “At the moment, they believe they hold the stronger hand and have little reason to agree to a ceasefire – unless they fear alienating the Trump administration.”
Russian forces also hit critical infrastructure and residential areas in the region, destroying four private homes, damaging garages, and setting a car ablaze. One person was killed, and six others were injured in the assault.
Elsewhere, a Ukrainian rocket attack on the Russian-occupied Luhansk region killed at least six people, including three Russian journalists. Despite the tentative progress in peace talks, the bloodshed continues.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ukraine and Russia agree Black Sea ceasefire after Moscow unleashes ‘new tactic’ )
Also on site :