Fifty-one UN member states have urged Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and to begin meaningful peace negotiations.
The joint statement was released ahead of a UN Security Council meeting by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, Ukrinform reports Ukrinform.
In the document, the signatories expressed solidarity with Ukraine and stressed the importance of upholding the UN Charter. In particular, it refers to respect for states’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the right to self-defence. The partners also voiced deep concern over the escalation of Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, which, according to the UN, has led to a rise in civilian casualties in recent months.
In addition, the countries are concerned about Russia’s attacks in the Black Sea. In their view, Moscow is deliberately obstructing Ukrainian grain exports and creating a threat to global food security. The authors of the statement also recalled that Ukraine agreed to a full and unconditional ceasefire back in March 2025, and that Russia must now take a similar step to move towards effective diplomacy.
They also demand that Russia immediately return to Ukraine all deported and unlawfully detained civilians, first and foremost children, and carry out a full exchange of prisoners of war.
The statement was signed by most European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Panama and South Korea.