BLACK SEA CEASEFIRE

Ukraine and Russia agree to protect shipping, US says

- CHRIS HUGHES

A MARITIME ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine protecting commercial Black Sea shipping has been agreed, the US said.

It halts military attacks on vessels, but Moscow continued its relentless barrage of airstrikes across its war-ravaged neighbour's land.

Movement of Russian navy vessels in the Black Sea will breach the ceasefire terms, according to the White House.

And it prevents Moscow using commercial ships for military purposes, stifling its supplies of fuel and weapons.