Russia urged to agree to full ceasefire: statement backed by more than 50 countries
More than 50 countries have called on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and resume negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The call was made in a joint statement read out by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen ahead of a UN Security Council meeting, Censor.NET reports.
Countries call on Moscow to cease fire
The statement noted that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was a blatant violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law.
The authors of the document stressed that Russian aggression had undermined the international order and posed a threat to peace and security.
According to their data, at least 68,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed or injured since the beginning of the full-scale war, including almost 4,000 children.
The statement separately noted that last month saw the highest number of civilians killed and injured in a single month since March 2022. At least 437 Ukrainian civilians were killed during that month.
The countries also drew attention to the consequences of the war beyond Ukraine, including airspace violations and drone incidents in European countries.
More than 50 countries support Ukraine
The signatories called on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and return to negotiations.
"We strongly urge Russia to heed calls for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and resume negotiations towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter," the document stressed.
The countries also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The statement stressed the need to ensure accountability for crimes committed in violation of international law.
The countries also expressed concern over Russian attacks on shipping and Ukraine’s port infrastructure in the Black Sea, which have consequences for global food security.
"On this special Independence Day, we will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine. There is no alternative to a just and lasting peace," the statement said.
The document was supported by all European Union member states, as well as Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Honduras, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Panama and South Korea.
