Ceasefire: Putin has achieved his goal without giving up practically anything — Sky

The United States is considering easing some restrictions so that Russian exports of agricultural products and fertilizers can return to world markets. This is reported by Sky News channel.

"This is an extremely important moment. For the first time in more than three years, Washington is lifting sanctions against Moscow, rather than imposing them. This is the most obvious evidence of a rapprochement between the United States and Russia and a clear signal of Donald Trump's intentions to turn Vladimir Putin from an outcast into a partner,"the publication says.

It is noted that so far we are talking only about easing some restrictions so that Russian exports of agricultural products and fertilizers can return to world markets. In fact, Sky News emphasizes that Russian food and fertilizers have never been subject to Western sanctions, but exports have been disrupted due to the disconnection of Russian banks from the SWIFT global payment system. This has led to higher tariffs and payment delays — even in cross-border trade with friendly countries. That is why Moscow wants the sanctions to be lifted from the state-owned Rosselkhoznadzor and to be connected to SWIFT again.

"One could argue that this is just one brick in the whole wall of sanctions surrounding Russia. But its cancellation, nevertheless, will become an important symbol. Ukraine's Western allies acted together when they built this wall — now its powerful supporter is beginning the process of its destruction. Moreover, there will be fears that Moscow may abuse American charity, especially when it comes to another requirement of the Kremlin — the lifting of restrictions on the supply of agricultural machinery to Russia," the TV channel reports.

Restrictions were imposed on agricultural machinery due to the fact that some components are classified as dual-use goods that could potentially help the Russian military vehicle, Sky reminds. "Who can guarantee that these fears will not come true?" — he wonders.

"However, perhaps the most unpleasant thing for Ukraine and its European allies will be that Putin seems to have achieved this without giving up practically anything," the author of the publication is sad.

He admitted that Russia had agreed to a cease-fire at sea, however, they say, this is far from a complete cease-fire, and besides, for the first time such an agreement was reached in July 2022 as part of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russia withdrew from this deal in 2023, "dissatisfied with the obstacles faced by its exports of food and fertilizers." Since then, the number of attacks in the Black Sea has decreased significantly, and Ukrainian grain exports have almost returned to pre-war levels, the author emphasizes.

"Thus, the cease-fire at sea may not really have much effect on the conflict itself. The consequences for Washington and Moscow will be more serious. For Mr. Trump, this is a reason to brag — proof that he has taken a step towards peace. For Mr. Putin, this is Russia's first step towards returning from isolation," Sky News summarizes.