We return to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Russians and Ukrainians appear to have agreed on which

types of energy-related facilities will be safe from attack during a limited ceasefire. And as we

reported earlier, there's now an agreement to ensure safe navigation of ships in the Black Sea.

I spoke earlier with the president of Finland, Alexander Stubb, about all of this,

the threat from Russia, and broader U.S. relations with Europe. President Stubb, welcome to the

News Hour. Thanks. As broader peace talks continue in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. today said an agreement

has been reached to ensure safe navigation in the

Black Sea. Does that provide any hope toward a more encompassing ceasefire deal?

Yeah, definitely. I mean, I think we have to split the process into two. First, it's a ceasefire,

and only after that can you negotiate an actual peace agreement and a peace

settlement.

And it looks like we're taking the ceasefire step by step.

So first there was an idea of not bombing energy and infrastructure.

Now we go to the Black Sea.

So I think what the Americans are brokered here is a good first step towards some kind of a full-on ceasefire.

And the U.S. is also acknowledging that it will pursue sanctions relief for Russian food, fertilizer, and shipping companies.

Is that an appropriate accommodation for Russia, in your view?

Well, you know, I can't take a stand on what the American administration does on sanctions.

On the European side, I don't see any lifting of sanctions at this stage.

As a matter of fact, we're working on a 17th package.

But it is with certain joy that I hear that American senators are putting up a sanction package

led by Senator Lindsey Graham, where the idea is that if the ceasefire is broken, then a new wave

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