Fifty countries and EU call on Russia to cease fire, US does not support statement
A total of 50 countries and the European Union have issued a joint statement at the UN in support of Ukraine, calling on Russia to agree to a ceasefire. The United States did not join the statement.
Source: European Pravda citing the text of the statement provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Details: The statement was released ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on 23 September. The signatories expressed solidarity with Ukraine and deep concern over the escalation of Russian attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across the country.
They also voiced concern about attacks in the Black Sea and supported efforts to reach an agreement there to ensure freedom of navigation.
In the statement, the countries reiterated that Ukraine had agreed as early as March 2025 to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Quote: "We call on Russia to finally do the same, as a necessary step towards meaningful diplomacy and negotiations leading to peace."
More details: The signatories also called on Russia to ensure the immediate return to Ukraine of all arbitrarily detained, forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian civilians, including children, as well as the full return of all prisoners of war and all interned persons as important confidence-building measures.
Quote: "Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. Russia must stop its aggression, accept a ceasefire, and engage meaningfully in negotiations towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law."
More details: The statement was signed by 50 countries and the European Union (Ukraine, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
The United States, which is playing a mediating role in talks between Ukraine and Russia, was not among the signatories.
Background:
- The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is taking place in New York. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address it on 23 September.
- The day before, US President Donald Trump urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
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