Downing Street has expressed cautious optimism following the announcement that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to pause hostilities in the Black Sea. However, the UK Government remains non-committal on whether it will align with the United States’ plans to ease sanctions on Russia as part of the agreement.
Black sea truce: A step towards stability?
On Tuesday, the White House confirmed that both Kyiv and Moscow had agreed to halt military action in the Black Sea, ensuring safe navigation and eliminating the use of force in the region.
The agreement, which follows US-led negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aims to reduce the risk of further disruptions to global trade, particularly in grain exports, which have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.
However, the US also indicated that it is prepared to ease sanctions on Russian fertiliser and agricultural exports, as well as improve Moscow’s access to maritime insurance, ports, and payment systems.
UK’s stance on sanctions remains unclear
Despite welcoming the progress made in securing the truce, Downing Street refused to confirm whether the UK would follow the US in easing sanctions.
A Number 10 spokesperson said:
“Our position at the moment is that we are obviously hopeful of the progress. We are following developments closely.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has imposed strict sanctions, including higher tariffs on Russian fertiliser and agricultural goods, as well as banning British firms from providing insurance for shipments of certain Russian exports.
Criticism of the agreement
While some have welcomed the ceasefire as a step towards stability, others have warned that easing sanctions on Russia undermines Western pressure on Moscow.
Sir Bill Browder, a leading advocate for sanctions against Russia, argued that the agreement misses the point completely.
“Russia can continue to pound civilian targets like hospitals, schools, and apartment buildings – and I’m sure they will.”
He also warned that lifting restrictions on Russia’s oil refineries would only strengthen Moscow’s ability to fund its military campaign.
“Releasing Russia from sanctions is hardly an appropriate response to a country which has killed tens of thousands of innocent Ukrainians and done a trillion dollars of damage.
“There’s absolutely nothing to celebrate here.”
Calls to ‘hold firm’ on sanctions
The Liberal Democrats echoed concerns that easing economic pressure on Moscow was premature and unwise.
Their foreign affairs spokesman, Calum Miller, urged the UK and its allies to stand firm against Russian aggression.
“There is no basis for removing sanctions while Russia continues to occupy Ukraine and menace other countries.”
He also criticised former US President Donald Trump, claiming he had been misled if he believed the Black Sea deal was a fair trade for lifting sanctions.
“Trump has had the wool pulled over his eyes if he thinks this Black Sea deal is a fair swap for lifting Russian sanctions.”
UK continues to push for ceasefire
The Foreign Office has so far avoided commenting on sanctions, instead focusing on urging Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
A Government spokesperson said:
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“We remain in close contact with officials in Kyiv and Washington. We continue to call on Russia to agree, without further delay, to an unconditional ceasefire.”
What comes next?
In addition to the Black Sea truce, the US-brokered deal includes agreements to:
- Ban attacks on energy infrastructure.
- Facilitate prisoner of war exchanges.
- Secure the release of civilian detainees.
- Ensure the return of children forcibly taken to Russia.
Meanwhile, plans for a European-led peacekeeping force are underway in the UK.
Military leaders from the “coalition of the willing” will meet at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood this week to discuss the potential deployment of troops in support of any future ceasefire.
A fragile peace?
While the agreement to halt hostilities in the Black Sea is a positive step, the future of Western sanctions on Russia remains uncertain.
With Ukraine still occupied, critics argue that easing sanctions would reward Russian aggression rather than deter it.
As the UK and its allies continue to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape, the effectiveness of the Black Sea truce – and whether it leads to broader peace talks – remains to be seen.
