50 countries and EU call on Russia to cease fire, US does not join

Key Points:

• Fifty countries and the European Union issued a joint statement at the UN supporting Ukraine and calling on Russia to agree to a ceasefire, ahead of the UN Security Council meeting on 23 September.
• The statement expressed solidarity with Ukraine, condemned the escalation of Russian attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and voiced concern over attacks in the Black Sea, urging freedom of navigation.
• The signatories noted that Ukraine agreed to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire as early as March 2025, and called on Russia to reciprocate as a step toward meaningful diplomacy and peace negotiations.
• The statement also demanded Russia ensure the immediate return of detained and deported Ukrainian civilians, including children, as well as prisoners of war, as confidence-building measures.
• The United States, despite playing a mediating role in talks between Ukraine and Russia, did not join the statement; meanwhile, President Zelenskyy is expected to address the UN General Assembly on 23 September.