Russia aims to gain control over the Black Sea food corridor, which explains its agreement to a ceasefire.

“A ceasefire in the Black Sea is primarily important for the Russians because they have not effectively controlled the Black Sea food corridor for quite some time. Their Black Sea fleet is either at the bottom or hidden. They simply want to regain control of the food corridor,” said President Zelenskyy.

He emphasized that Ukraine has maintained control over the situation in the Black Sea and will not permit Russia to regain control. He noted that Ukraine is prepared for a complete ceasefire and agreed to terms regarding the Black Sea, viewing this as “definitely a step toward ending the war.” Additionally, Ukraine expects the US to ensure peace in the Black Sea even though Moscow “is attempting to introduce some extra conditions into the agreement, which does not allow for preconditions.”

It is important to note that these demands largely echo those made two years ago when discussions were held to extend the Black Sea Agreement. Efforts to continue that agreement failed, and Russia withdrew, while Ukraine began to independently ensure security in the Black Sea by pushing back Russian ships with naval drones.