The Kremlin has made it clear that several key conditions must be met before it agrees to reactivate a Black Sea maritime security deal recently negotiated with the United States. This statement, issued on Wednesday, suggests that Moscow is reluctant to proceed without securing its own interests—something it claims was overlooked in past agreements.
A New Deal with Familiar Challenges
On Tuesday, the U.S. brokered separate agreements with both Ukraine and Russia aimed at de-escalating conflict in the Black Sea and halting strikes on energy infrastructure. In exchange, Washington pledged to advocate for easing certain sanctions on Moscow. However, while food and fertilizer exports from Russia are technically not subject to Western sanctions, the Kremlin argues that restrictions on banking transactions, shipping logistics, and insurance have created significant barriers to trade.
One of Russia’s primary demands is the reconnection of Rosselkhozbank, its state-owned agricultural bank, to the SWIFT international payment network. Achieving this, however, would require approval from European nations, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
Moscow's Stand: Justice Must Prevail
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that any revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative hinges on fulfilling conditions outlined in the original deal. According to Peskov, Moscow’s concerns were ignored in the previous agreement, leading to Russia’s withdrawal in 2023.
"The original Black Sea Initiative contained specific provisions that benefited all parties, yet Russia’s conditions were left unmet. If we are to move forward, fairness must be ensured this time," Peskov stated, reaffirming that discussions with U.S. officials will continue.
The initial UN- and Turkey-brokered deal in 2022 aimed to ensure the safe passage of grain exports, helping to stabilize global food markets. However, Russia exited the agreement last year, citing unfulfilled promises regarding its own agricultural exports.
Looking Ahead: A Fragile Negotiation
While talks between the U.S. and Russia mark a potential step toward stabilizing the region, the success of any new deal depends on balancing security concerns with economic realities. Moscow remains firm in its stance—until its demands are met, the future of Black Sea trade routes remains uncertain.