78 countries call on Russia to cease fire in Ukraine
78 countries call on Russia to cease fire in Ukraine
2026-09-24
Shafaq News – Brussels
On Wednesday evening, 27 EU member states, along with 51 other countries, including Britain, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Australia, called on Russia to accept a “complete, immediate and unconditional” ceasefire as part of the path to peace.
This came in a joint statement made by representatives of the 27 EU member states and the 51 other countries in New York City, ahead of a UN Security Council session on Ukraine.
The statement expressed solidarity with Ukraine, warning of escalating Russian attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure across the country.
He also expressed “particular concern” about the attacks in the Black Sea, noting that “Russia is trying to disrupt Ukrainian grain exports, thereby endangering global food security.”
He stressed support for efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, and the need to protect commercial vessels and vital infrastructure.
The statement noted that Ukraine had accepted a “complete, immediate and unconditional” ceasefire since March 2025, adding: “We call on Russia to do the same as a necessary step towards diplomacy and meaningful negotiations leading to peace.”
He called on Russia to ensure the return of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners to their country, in order to build trust between the parties.
The statement emphasized: “Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. Russia must end its aggression, accept a ceasefire, and participate effectively in negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with international law.”
The Russian-Ukrainian war began in February 2014, when Russia seized the Crimean Peninsula and supported separatists in the Donbas region. The war escalated into an invasion on February 24, 2012, when Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine.
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