Ukraine urges more talks to settle ‘details’ of US-announced Black Sea deal

KYIV - Ukraine confirmed March 25 that it had agreed to prevent the use of force in the Black Sea, but called for more talks to settle “details” of agreements announced by Washington.

The White House said that

both Kyiv and Moscow had pledged

to avoid strikes in the Black Sea after separate talks.

Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who took part in negotiations, said Kyiv had “agreed to ensure the safe navigation” in the Black Sea.

But he said more talks were needed on fulfilling what was agreed.

“For the effective implementation of the arrangements, it is important to hold additional technical consultations as soon as possible to agree on all the details and technical aspects of the implementation, monitoring and control of the arrangements,” Mr Umerov said.

Kyiv also warned that it would consider any movement of Russian warships “outside the eastern part” of the Black Sea as a violation of the US agreement and a “threat to the national security of Ukraine”.

“In this case Ukraine will have full right to exercise right to self-defence,” Mr Umerov said. AFP