US-Brokered Deal to Halt Black Sea and Energy Attacks in Jeopardy as Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Distrust

US-Brokered Deal to Halt Black Sea and Energy Attacks in Jeopardy

The US-brokered deal to halt attacks on the Black Sea and energy sites between Russia and Ukraine is in jeopardy after both sides accused each other of derailing the agreement.

Ukraine Denounces Russian Drone Attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced a barrage of more than 100 drones launched by Russia overnight, hours after Kyiv agreed to a framework for a halt in fighting in the key waterway.

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Attacking Energy Infrastructure

Russia, on the other hand, accused Ukraine of attacking its energy infrastructure overnight, which Kyiv denied. The Ukrainian General Staff said that Russia was "spreading false and baseless accusations in order to prolong the war".

US Efforts to End the War

The United States said on Tuesday that it had brokered the agreements in talks with both sides in Saudi Arabia, part of efforts by US President Donald Trump to quickly end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now grinding through its fourth year.

Key Questions Over Implementation Remain

However, key questions over implementation remain. The Kremlin said the agreement to halt Black Sea strikes could come into force only after the lifting of restrictions on its agriculture sector. Kyiv, which has voiced readiness to agree a complete 30-day ceasefire, said it came into effect when the US published details of the agreement late Tuesday.

‘More Pressure’ on Russia

Zelensky posted on social media, "Launching such large-scale attacks after ceasefire negotiations is a clear signal to the whole world that Moscow is not going to pursue real peace. There must also be clear pressure and strong action from the world on Russia — more pressure, more sanctions from the United States — to stop Russian strikes."

Russia Launches Drones Overnight

Russia launched 117 drones over Ukraine overnight, of which 56 were downed and 48 were lost from radar without causing damage, the air force said. The attack damaged buildings in the central city of Kryvyi Rig — Zelensky’s hometown — and in the border region of Sumy, Ukrainian officials said.

‘Dragging Their Feet’

The United States said Moscow and Kyiv had agreed only to "develop measures" towards an energy truce. A communications advisor for Zelensky said late Tuesday that Russian forces had struck Ukrainian energy sites eight times since Putin’s order. Trump’s aim to hastily end the war has raised fears in Ukraine that it could be forced into ceding some of the 20 percent of its territory that Russia occupies, or that a US deal might not come with deterrents that would stop Russia from attacking again.

Germany Urges Ceasefire Without Conditions

Germany urged Russia on Wednesday to agree to a ceasefire without conditions. "It is not a situation for dialogue when a ceasefire is repeatedly tied to concessions and new demands… we must not be deceived by the Russian president," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.

Conclusion

The US-brokered deal to halt attacks on the Black Sea and energy sites is in jeopardy as Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of derailing the agreement. The situation remains tense, with both sides refusing to back down. The international community must step in to pressure both parties to end the conflict and find a lasting solution.

FAQs

• What is the US-brokered deal to halt attacks on the Black Sea and energy sites?
  The US-brokered deal is an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on the Black Sea and energy sites.
• Why is the deal in jeopardy?
  The deal is in jeopardy because both Russia and Ukraine are accusing each other of derailing the agreement.
• What are the key issues?
  The key issues are the lifting of restrictions on Russia’s agriculture sector and the implementation of the agreement.
• What is the international community’s stance?
  The international community is urging both parties to agree to a ceasefire without conditions.