US-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have culminated in a tentative ceasefire agreement aimed at halting military actions in the Black Sea and related energy infrastructure. This development follows a series of discussions held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where US negotiators engaged separately with both sides for three days.

In statements released by the White House, both nations committed to "ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea." However, the agreement remains fraught with conditions, particularly from the Russian side, which has made compliance contingent upon the lifting of certain sanctions affecting its agricultural sector. These sanctions, primarily linked to payment systems and agricultural trade, have been a point of contention for Moscow, which argues that they hinder its ability to participate in global markets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism about the agreement, categorizing it as a positive step towards peace but also highlighting the uncertainty surrounding its implementation. He indicated that Ukraine would not permit any return of the Russian Navy into key shipping routes in the Black Sea and urged for strict adherence by both parties to the terms of the ceasefire.

The deal notably includes promises from the US to assist in restoring Russian access to international markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports. Russia's Kremlin insists that significant concessions, such as re-establishing links with the international payment system SWIFT for its agricultural bank, are essential for any lasting agreement.

This complex situation underscores the deep mistrust that continues to pervade relations between both nations, as each side has already accused the other of violations even before the ceasefire formally takes effect.

For further details and ongoing updates on the situation, refer to the full reports by BBC and HuffPost.