The U.S. is considering lifting some sanctions on Russia to push forward the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a move seen as a potential step toward easing the Ukraine conflict, President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday.
Both Washington and Moscow acknowledged that the proposed deal would restore Russia’s ability to sell agricultural products globally, reduce shipping insurance costs, and improve port access for trade. Moscow also stated that it seeks the removal of restrictions on Russian financial institutions, agricultural exports, and logistics.
While the White House remained tight-lipped on specifics, Trump acknowledged that his administration is reviewing multiple conditions. “They’re looking at them, and we’re thinking about all of them. There are about five or six conditions,” he told reporters.
The news sparked backlash from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who accused the U.S. of negotiating sanctions relief for Russia without properly informing Kyiv. “We did not agree to this… We believe this weakens positions and sanctions,” he said.
The renewed discussions follow a 12-hour U.S.-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia, centered on Ukraine and grain exports. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, originally brokered in 2022 by the UN and Türkiye, collapsed after Moscow accused the West of failing to honor its commitments. Now, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov insists that only a firm U.S. guarantee can ensure Kyiv complies with any new agreement.
