Russia is lying about silence in Black Sea and energy ceasefire – Zelenskyy

According to the president, Ukraine is ready to work as quickly and transparently as possible to end the war. However, the Russians began manipulating facts on the very day of negotiations in Saudi Arabia about achieving a ceasefire.

"Already, they are trying to distort the agreements and essentially deceive our mediators and the whole world," Zelenskyy stated.

The president emphasized that there are clear statements regarding the agreements in Riyadh, which have been published by the White House. Everyone can see what is stated there. However, Russia is declaring something entirely different.

"And here is what the Kremlin is lying about again: that the silence in the Black Sea depends on the issue of sanctions and that the start date of the silence regarding energy is March 18. Moscow always lies. And it depends on the world – on everyone who really wants peace – whether they will allow Moscow to lie again," the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy reminded that the US proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire everywhere, not just regarding energy and the Black Sea, has been on the table since March 11. But it was Russia that refused and continues to drag out the war.

"Now Moscow is demanding something regarding the lifting of some sanctions, even though for three years, they’ve been saying that sanctions are supposedly not scary for them and even beneficial. But if the Russians fail to fulfill today's agreements and try to pressure America, Europe, and Ukraine again, the response, in my opinion, should be clear: definitely new sanctions, definitely more pressure," Zelenskyy stressed.

Kremlin's Statements

Russia released a final statement following the meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia. The statement outlines, in particular, the conditions for a ceasefire with Ukraine at sea.

In the statement, the Kremlin claimed that the US and Russia had agreed to ensure the security of shipping in the Black Sea. However, such agreements could only take effect after sanctions are lifted from the Rosselkhozbank and other financial organizations involved in ensuring operations related to international trade in food and fertilizers, as well as a number of other companies.

Additionally, Moscow stated that Russian and American officials agreed to develop measures to implement a ban on strikes against energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia for 30 days, "starting from March 18."

However, the White House statement did not mention lifting sanctions on Russia in exchange for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.