Russia and Ukraine have reached separate agreements with the USA on a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, following peace talks in Saudi Arabia. Though indirect, the negotiations resulted in a promise to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and reopen critical trade routes.  Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move but said it was too early to gauge its effectiveness. The Kremlin, however, tied the ceasefire to the lifting of sanctions on its food and fertiliser sectors, demanding restored access to financial systems and agricultural trade tools. The USA acknowledged it would support restoring Russia’s global market access in these areas, prompting Zelensky to criticise the move as a concession. Ukraine warned that any expansion of Russian naval activity beyond agreed zones would violate the ceasefire and justify defensive action. It is also calling for increased US support and sanctions if Russia fails to honour its commitments. Even as the negotiators were meeting, a Russian missile hit a hospital, injuring dozens: see Breaking news: France and the UK are at the forefront of a united European message of support for Ukraine: see