This is an extremely important moment. For the first time in more than three years, light washington sanctions on Moscow instead of imposing them.
This is the most tangible evidence still of a US-Russia undress, and a crystal clear signal of Donald Trump’s intentions to turn Vladimir Putin The Pariah in Putin, the partner.
For the time being, they only talk about relieving a handful of restrictions so that Russia’s The export of agricultural and fertilizers can return to world markets.
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Black Sea Warnation: Who benefits?
It is important to point out that Russian food and fertilizer has in fact always been exempt from Western sanctions, but the export has been disrupted by Russian banks’ exclusion of the Swift Global Payments System.
It has meant higher fees and delays in payments, even when it comes to the border trading with friendly countries.
Therefore, Moscow wants sanctions on Rosselkhozbank – the state -owned Russian Agricultural Bank, to be lifted and that it must be reconnected with Swift.
Perhaps the most crazy thing for Ukraine is that Putin seems to have secured it without giving up a lot. Lying Photo: AP
One can argue that it is just one brick in a whole wall of sanctions around Russia. But its removal will nevertheless be massive symbolic.
The Western allies of Ukraine were in Lockstep when they built the wall – now his powerful supporter is starting to bring it off.
In addition, the fear will be that Moscow could abuse America’s charity here, especially when it comes to one of the other claims of the Kremlin – to lift restrictions on the supply of agricultural machinery to Russia.
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Restrictions have been imposed on agricultural machinery because some components have been classified as ‘double use’ goods, which could possibly help Russia’s war machine.
What is to say these fears will not be realized? That parts mean to tractors and oysters suddenly find their way to weapon production? Washington might like to take Moscow’s word for it, but Kyiv will certainly not be.
Perhaps the most galy thing for Ukraine and its European allies is, however, that Mr. Putin assured it without giving up a lot.
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Ukraine and Russia agree with Sea Deal
Yes, Russia agreed to a maritime ceasefire. But it is a long way of a full ceasefire, and this is something that first agreed in July 2022 The Black Sea Grain initiative.
Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, unfortunately with the obstacles facing its food and fertilizer exports – sounds familiar?
Since then, attacks in the Black Sea have dropped significantly. In fact, the export of the Ukrainian grain is fairly back to the pre -war levels.
So, a maritime ceasefire may not make as much of a difference to the conflict itself. The bigger impact will be in Washington and Moscow.
For Mr. Trump is something to show – proof that he took a step closer to peace.
For Mr. Putin is the first step of Russia to come from the cold.
