Russia and the US finalize a list of energy facilities that cannot be attacked.
The energy infrastructure of Russia and Ukraine was specifically listed by Moscow and Washington while implementing the 30-day ceasefire.
According to RIA Novosti, the Kremlin said that the US and Russia have agreed on a list of Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities where attacks must be temporarily halted.
This list includes: oil refineries; oil and gas pipelines and storage facilities, including pumping stations; electricity production and transmission infrastructure, including power plants, substations, transformers and distributors; nuclear power plants; hydroelectric dams.
The temporary suspension order is valid for 30 days from March 18th and may be extended by mutual agreement. In the event of a breach by one party, the other party is relieved of its obligation to comply.
On March 24, a meeting of Russian and American "technical groups" took place in Riyadh, lasting over 12 hours. At the meeting, representatives from both countries agreed to develop measures to prohibit attacks on energy facilities in Russia and Ukraine.
According to the Kremlin, Moscow and Washington agreed to ensure the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative. This includes ensuring maritime safety and preventing the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. The US will help restore access to world markets for Russian agricultural products and fertilizer exports, reduce shipping insurance costs, and expand access to ports and payment systems to facilitate such transactions.
The agreements on the Black Sea Initiative will come into effect after the lifting of sanctions on Russian producers and exporters, including those producing fish and fertilizers; and also after the lifting of restrictions on the operations of food transport insurance companies.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that during the negotiations, the parties discussed the issue of shipping safety in the Black Sea. According to him, Russia has voiced support for resuming the Black Sea initiative in a more universally acceptable form. At the same time, Lavrov noted that Moscow cannot trust the statements of the Kiev authorities on this matter.
The diplomat pointed out that the grain and fertilizer markets must be predictable, as Russia not only wants to make legitimate profits but is also concerned with food security in Africa.