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Kremlin releases statement on US-Russia talks in Riyadh

25 March 2025 21:43 (UTC +04:00)

Russia said it would commit to a Black Sea truce once US sanctions are lifted on key financial institutions supporting its food exports, APA reports citing The Guardian.

In a readout on the Russia–US talks posted by the Kremlin, Moscow said it had agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, but only “after the following conditions are met,” before listing a series of terms, including the lifting of US sanctions on the Russian Agricultural Bank and other banks involved in food trade.

“The United States will assist in restoring Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports to the global market, reducing the cost of maritime insurance, and expanding access to ports and payment systems to conduct such transaction,” Moscow said.

In its own readout of the talks, the US suggested it was planning to ease some sanctions on Russia’s food sector, stating that “the United States will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports.”

Moscow also said it wanted port service restrictions and sanctions on Russian-flagged vessels involved in the trade of food products—including seafood—and fertilizers to be lifted.

Separately, Moscow said the two sides had also agreed to develop measures to halt strikes on Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities for a period of 30 days, which the Kremlin said started on 18 March, “with the possibility of extension or withdrawal if either party fails to comply”.