The United States agrees to a ceasefire with Ukraine and Russia

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The United States said it had reached agreements with Ukraine and Russia for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, following talks with both sides in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The White House said on Tuesday that Kiev and Moscow agreed to “ensure safe movement, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.”

But the questions remain about when the ceasefire will enter into force, and Ukrainian President Folodimir Zelinski raised concerns about whether Russia will adhere to it.

A senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Kyiv will immediately stop “deep strikes” on Russian military targets under the deal, including the Black Sea and Energy targets.

But the Kremlin said that the deal will not come into effect until after the penalties imposed on Russian banks participating in the production and trade of agricultural goods.

The White House said it would increase Russia’s access to agricultural markets and global fertilizers, including support to reduce marine insurance costs and improve access to ports and payment systems.

Russian demand to lift sanctions on lenders will require the approval of the European Union.

Speaking to Kiev’s journalists, Zellinski said that the United States team told its delegations that the ceasefire would be effective immediately.

“We first agreed that there could be a calm in the sea and free navigation,” said Zellinski. “The second point is to stop attacks on the power system.”

He remained skeptical in Russia to adhere to this ceasefire, but said that Kiev would retain the end of the deal.

“I have questions about how to implement all this.” Of course, I would like more details as soon as our team returns to Kiev, “Zelesky said.

“There is no faith in the Russians,” he added. “But I think we will act constructively and do our role to implement the results of the United States meeting, Ukraine.”

The agreements come after two days of separate discussions with delegations from Kyiv and Moscow in Riyadh, which the Ukrainian senior official described as “positive … but not win.”