Ceasefire Includes Black Sea Grain Deal

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire. Agriculture was included in the negotiations between the United States and Russia. The White House reports the U.S. will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports. The arrangement also includes access to ports on the Black Sea and a payment system for these exports. There was a previous deal worked out between the United Nations and Turkey that allowed Russia and Ukraine to ship grain on the Black Sea, but Russia backed out of that agreement in July of 2023.