Zelenskyy Claims Russia Manipulated Ceasefire Agreements

(MENAFN) Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy suspected Russia on Tuesday of "manipulating" ceasefire deals that were made during discussions between Moscow and Washington delegations in Saudi Arabia.

Zelenskyy’s remarks followed the announcement that the White House had confirmed a joint agreement between the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Earlier, the White House had stated that the US, Russia, and Ukraine reached an understanding to "ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea."

This agreement was a result of the discussions held in Riyadh. Furthermore, the US pledged to assist in restoring Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports.

Both Washington and Moscow also agreed to put in place measures to prohibit attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine.

The Kremlin later acknowledged the agreements but clarified that these would be implemented once certain restrictions and sanctions imposed on Russia were lifted.

Additionally, Russia and the US agreed to take actions to enforce a 30-day ban on attacks against energy facilities in both countries, with this ban set to begin on March 18, 2025.

The agreement also included the option to extend the ban or withdraw from it if either party fails to comply.

"Unfortunately…right on the day of the talks, we see how the Russians have already started to manipulate. They are already trying to distort the agreements and actually deceive our mediators and the whole world," Zelenskyy stated in a virtual address later that evening.

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