The United States is considering lifting certain sanctions on Russia in a bid to facilitate the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a move that has sparked backlash from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. President Donald Trump confirmed on March 25 that his administration is actively evaluating possible sanctions relief as part of ongoing discussions aimed at settling the Ukraine conflict.

According to statements from both the White House and the Kremlin, the proposed agreement would see the US assisting in restoring Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports. This would include lowering maritime insurance costs, expanding access to ports, and easing restrictions on financial transactions related to food and fertilizer sales.

Moscow’s statement elaborated further, emphasizing that the deal would also entail the lifting of restrictions on the Russian Agricultural Bank, other financial institutions, and Russian vessels. Additionally, sanctions on port services, as well as on the country’s ability to purchase agricultural machinery and related goods, would be removed.

While the White House refrained from disclosing details of the negotiations, President Trump acknowledged the ongoing deliberations when speaking to reporters on March 25.

“They will be looking at them, and we’re thinking about all of them right now. There are about five or six conditions. We’re looking at all of them,” Trump said, without specifying which sanctions were under review or what conditions would need to be met for the relief to be granted.

Trump’s remarks indicate that Washington is seriously considering a shift in its sanctions policy........

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