Trump and Putin Agreed on a Ceasefire, but Only for Russia
Negotiations between the USA, Ukraine, and Russia regarding energy and maritime ceasefire have concluded in Saudi Arabia. The results show that the Kremlin has received unilateral advantages, while Ukraine may face new restrictions.
Ceasefire Terms and Hidden Threats for Ukraine
As a result of negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Russia received significant unilateral advantages in matters of energy and maritime ceasefire, while Ukraine faced new restrictions and potential threats.
According to European Truth, the Kremlin successfully imposed its vision of an ‘energy ceasefire’ on the US, which obliges Ukraine to refrain from attacks on Russian facilities but does not protect Ukrainian infrastructure.
According to the list published on the Kremlin’s website, only five categories of objects fall under protection: oil refineries, oil and gas pipelines with storage facilities, power infrastructure, nuclear power plants, and hydroelectric dams. Meanwhile, critically important oil and gas production facilities for Ukraine, especially in Poltava and Kharkiv regions, remained outside the agreement.
Of particular concern is the fact that Russia refused to consider stopping airstrikes on Ukrainian civilian objects. Moreover, even deliberate attacks on hospitals or schools are not considered violations of American conditions.
In the maritime part of the agreements, Moscow also received unilateral advantages. The US agreed to help Russia export agricultural products and fertilizers, and promised to facilitate partial lifting of European sanctions. In return, the Russians demand the right to control the passage of civilian ships to Ukraine through an inspection system.
The Kremlin put forward six key demands for continuing negotiations:
- Lifting sanctions on Russian banks and their return to SWIFT
- Cancellation of trade financing restrictions
- Lifting sanctions on food and fertilizer producers
- Cancellation of restrictions for insurance companies
- Lifting port restrictions on Russian ships
- Permission to supply agricultural machinery to Russia
President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the maritime part of the agreement, recalling the previous experience of Russian blockade and deliberate delay of inspections. Defense Minister Umerov warned that Ukraine would withdraw from the ceasefire if Russian warships try to move beyond the eastern part of the Black Sea.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Trump, who has unlimited trust in Putin, has already confirmed readiness to consider all Russian demands. This creates a dangerous precedent for lifting sanctions without real changes in Russia’s behavior and substantial guarantees from its side.
The negotiations in Riyadh showed the US willingness to make concessions to Russia without receiving real security guarantees for Ukraine. This creates risks for both maritime security and Ukraine’s energy independence.
