In remarks published late Tuesday, Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the Black Sea maritime security agreement aims to return Moscow to predictable grain markets and fertiliser markets which would allow for profit while ensuring global food security.

On Tuesday, the United States and Russia reached separate agreements to stop fighting in Black Sea and to pause attacks on energy targets. Washington agreed to press for some lifting of sanctions against Moscow.

Lavrov said to Russian state television Channel One that he wanted the grain and fertiliser market to be predictable so no one could 'ward us away' from it.

"Not only do we want to... make a legitimate, fair profit but we also care about the food situation in Africa and the Global South."

The deal, if implemented, could be a first step towards President Donald Trump's aim to achieve a more comprehensive ceasefire in the Ukraine war that Russia began with its full-scale invader three years ago.

Lavrov is a Russian diplomat who has been at the head of the Foreign Ministry since 2004. He said that the optimism expressed by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine, when he said a truce might be imminent does not consider the European allies.

Lavrov stated that "Witkoff" has a significant overestimation of the elites in European countries who are trying to "hang a stone on the neck" of the (Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy) to prevent him from "giving in".

"Zelenskiy does not want to "give in"."

Lavrov thanked Trump and his officials, saying that they wanted to mend mutual relations. He also said that Moscow and the U.S. agreed on the importance of not allowing differences between the two biggest nuclear powers to escalate to a confrontation.

He said that Moscow would remain vigilant in its relations with the U.S.

Lavrov stated that "Trust but verify" is (former U.S. president Ronald) Reagan's great commandment. "We won't forget it." Reporting by Lidia Kel in Melbourne, and Ronald Popeski at Winnipeg. Editing by Chris Reese, Lincoln Feast and Chris Reese.

(source: Reuters)