The Black Sea maritime security deal aims to restore Moscow's access to stable grain and fertilizer markets, enabling profitability and enhancing global food security, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
On Tuesday, the United States reached an agreement with Ukraine and Russia to halt fighting in the Black Sea and pause attacks on energy targets, with Washington indicating it would advocate for lifting some sanctions against Moscow.
Lavrov emphasized the need for a predictable grain and fertilizer market to prevent disruptions. "We want to ensure fair competition and are concerned about food security in Africa and other countries in the Global South," he stated during an interview with Russian state Channel One television.
If realized, the deal could represent a significant step toward a broader ceasefire in Ukraine, a goal articulated by U.S. President Donald Trump since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion three years ago.
Lavrov criticized U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff's optimism about the prospect of a truce, arguing it fails to account for the influences of European allies of Kyiv. "He significantly overestimates the elites of European countries, who wish to constrain President Zelenskiy and prevent him from compromising," Lavrov remarked. "Zelenskiy himself does not want to compromise."
Moreover, Lavrov acknowledged Trump's efforts to mend bilateral relations and asserted that Moscow concurs with the U.S. on preventing conflicts between the two largest nuclear powers from escalating. However, he maintained that Russia would remain cautious in its interactions with the U.S.
"Trust, but verify - this is the great commandment of former President Reagan," Lavrov asserted. "We will not forget it."