MOSCOW, March 28. /TASS/. A possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea will allow Moscow to gradually reinforce and expand logistics in its waters, as well as usher in a new era of relations with Turkey and Georgia, said Senator from the Donetsk People's Republic Alexander Voloshin.
"For us, this represents, firstly, a new round in relations with countries such as Georgia and Turkey, because it is Russia that will act as the de facto guarantor of their safe logistics in the Black Sea. Secondly, it means gradual fortification and expansion of our Black Sea logistics," Voloshin told TASS in an interview.
He said that even if the security agreement for the Black Sea area is signed and Ukraine begins to comply with it, "Russia should be ready for Ukraine's attempts to violate the agreement at any time." The senator called the Kiev authorities erratic as they would disrupt the peace agreements in the interests of their tactical allies, Great Britain and other European countries.
As an example, Voloshin cited the 2022 grain deal, during which unaccounted-for weapons arrived in Ukraine under the guise of humanitarian supplies. "Conditions have not been created for the implementation of the agreement on access of Russian food to the world market (as part of the grain deal). Of course, it is necessary to work in this direction at least so that the friendly countries of the Global South do not suffer and that the international food security is not threatened," the senator said.
On March 25, the Kremlin said in a statement issued after expert consultations with Washington that Russia and the United States agreed to continue working to achieve lasting peace. Also, they agreed to ensure implementation of the Black Sea initiative, including safety of navigation, as well as to develop measures for a ceasefire in the energy sector of Russia and Ukraine for 30 days from March 18. The Black Sea agreements between Russia and the United States will come into force after the lifting of sanctions against Russian Agricultural Bank and other banks supporting agricultural trade, the Kremlin said.