The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, noted that
This is reported by Business • Media
“A ceasefire in the Black Sea is primarily important for the Russians. They have long lost control over the corridor in the Black Sea. Their Black Sea fleet is either at the bottom or hidden. They simply want to jump back into control of the food corridor”
. This indicates that Moscow is trying to regain control in a region where the Ukrainian side has long been dominant.
Ukraine’s control in the Black Sea
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has been controlling the situation in the Black Sea for a long time and will not allow the Russian Federation to regain control. He noted that Ukraine was ready for a complete ceasefire and agreed to arrangements regarding the Black Sea, as this is
“undoubtedly a step towards ending the war”
.
Expectations from international partners
The President also expressed hope that the United States would ensure compliance with the silence in the Black Sea, despite Moscow’s attempts to add additional conditions to the agreement, which does not stipulate any preconditions. He added that the demands put forth by Russia are similar to those voiced two years ago during negotiations for the extension of the Black Sea agreement, which ultimately was not extended, and the Russian side withdrew from the agreement.
Ukraine is already independently ensuring security in the Black Sea, pushing Russian ships back with the help of maritime drones.