Kremlin Sets Conditions for Black Sea Maritime Security Deal

The Kremlin has outlined conditions for activating a Black Sea maritime security deal with the U.S., insisting that Russia's earlier unmet needs be addressed. The U.S. signed agreements with Ukraine and Russia to halt Black Sea hostilities and ease certain sanctions, though logistical barriers remain.

The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that certain conditions must be met for a Black Sea maritime security agreement with the United States to be activated. The statement highlighted a former deal under which Moscow's concerns were reportedly overlooked.

The United States reached accords with Ukraine and Russia on Tuesday to halt hostilities in the Black Sea and suspend attacks on energy infrastructure. In exchange, Washington pledged to advocate for lifting some sanctions against Moscow. Despite Russia's food and fertilizer exports not being sanctioned by the West, Moscow claims that payment, logistics, and insurance restrictions hinder shipments.

Russia demands the reconnection of its state agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT international payment system, a move requiring European consent. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that implementation of the Black Sea grain initiative hinges on these conditions, stating prior agreements were fulfilled except those benefiting Russia. Moscow withdrew from the original UN and Turkey-brokered deal in 2023, citing unmet promises on alleviating export barriers.