Over 50 nations at UN urge Russia to accept ceasefire
Over 50 nations, including the Republic of Moldova, demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from Russia in Ukraine ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York.
The joint declaration urged Moscow to engage in genuine diplomatic negotiations to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace aligned with the UN Charter.
Call for genuine diplomacy
“Since March 2025, Ukraine has accepted a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. We call on Russia to finally do the same, as a necessary step toward genuine diplomacy and negotiations leading to peace,” the joint statement said.
The appeal was presented in New York by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and allied representatives.
Signatories reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inherent right to self-defence.
Rising toll on civilians
The coalition expressed profound alarm over escalating Russian strikes targeting civilian populations and energy infrastructure across Ukraine.
“After four years, six months, and 30 days of full-scale war, the human toll continues to rise. We are deeply concerned by the intensification of Russia’s attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, which in recent months have resulted in record casualties according to UN data,” the statement read.
Signatories demanded full compliance with international humanitarian law, rigorous accountability for perpetrators, and immediate protection for all non-combatants.
Safeguarding Black Sea navigation
A dedicated section of the joint statement addressed maritime security and global food stability in the Black Sea basin.
Allied states warned that ongoing strikes on regional ports disrupt Ukrainian agricultural exports, directly threatening international food supplies.
“We support efforts to establish a Black Sea agreement that guarantees freedom of navigation and call for the protection of commercial shipping and critical infrastructure,” the document emphasized.
Return of detainees and deported children
The signatories also demanded the immediate, safe, and unconditional return to Ukraine of all detained, forcibly transferred, or deported Ukrainian civilians, especially children.
They further called for the comprehensive repatriation of prisoners of war and internees as vital confidence-building measures.
“Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. Russia must end its aggression, agree to a ceasefire, and engage in genuine negotiations for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with international law,” the declaration concluded.
Moldova was represented at the ministerial session by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
RELATED COVERAGE
- Ukraine may withdraw frontline peace offer as UN deadlock continues
- Putin sees no conditions for Ukraine peace talks
- Kyiv prepares for trilateral peace talks in October
- World leaders gather for 81st UN assembly amid multiple global crises
- Moldova reports airspace breach during Russian strikes on Ukraine
