Key facts
- Fifty-one countries issued a joint statement supporting Ukraine.
- The statement condemned Russia's war of aggression and its actions in the Black Sea.
- The countries called for freedom of navigation and protection of commercial shipping and critical infrastructure in the Black Sea.
- Russia's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports has hindered agricultural exports and threatened global food security.
- The statement was made during the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council meetings.
- Ukraine has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire from March 2025.
Fifty-one countries have backed Ukraine in a joint statement condemning Russia and calling for Black Sea passage, with the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas announcing the initiative on September 23 amid UN General Assembly meetings. The statement, delivered as the UN Security Council convened to discuss the conflict, reaffirms a commitment to the UN Charter and peace.
"As the Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Ukraine, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter and peace. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine as it continues to face Russia's war of aggression," Kallas stated. The countries expressed deep concern over Russia's escalation against civilians and civilian infrastructure, noting a record-high number of casualties in recent months as recorded by the UN.
The joint statement specifically addresses the attacks in the Black Sea, where Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports has hampered agricultural exports and jeopardized global food security. The signatories called on Russia to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and be held accountable. They also supported efforts to establish an arrangement in the Black Sea to safeguard freedom of navigation and protect commercial shipping and critical infrastructure.
Kallas also noted on X that Ukraine has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire starting March 2025 and urged Russia to do the same. "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," she added.