Black Sea Truce in Name Only as Russia Fires Kalibr Missiles

Russia’s launch of sea-based Kalibr cruise missiles indicates that no ceasefire is currently in effect in the Black Sea, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

The Air Force reported that eight Kalibr cruise missiles were launched from the Black Sea.

Six were intercepted by air defense systems.

The launch constitutes a direct violation of agreements reached during U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh on March 24, 2025.

Following the talks, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump said both sides had agreed to ensure safe navigation, avoid the use of force, and prevent commercial vessels from being used for military purposes in the Black Sea.

However, the day after the meeting, Russia announced it would adhere to the ceasefire only if some sanctions were lifted.

According to official statements, preconditions were not mentioned during the U.S.-Ukraine or U.S.-Russia negotiations.

In particular, Russia reportedly demanded the removal of sanctions on:

• Rosselkhozbank and other banks involved in agricultural exports, including reconnection to the SWIFT system
• Companies that produce or export food and fertilizers and firms that insure these shipments
• Russian-flagged vessels transporting food and fertilizers and port services for these ships
• Supplies of agricultural equipment and other goods related to food and fertilizer production

The proposed sanctions relief would require not only U.S. action but also cooperation from EU countries since the SWIFT system is headquartered in Belgium.

As of April 4, Russian forces were largely observing the ceasefire, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk.

However, he noted that the primary condition — the end of strikes on civilian port infrastructure — had not been fulfilled.

The coordinated missile and drone attack on April 6, he added, suggests that any prior reduction in attacks was not part of a broader policy but rather coincidental.