“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.”
That is the core of a joint statement issued at the United Nations on 23 September, signed by 50 countries and the European Union. The text, supplied by Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, came out ahead of a Security Council meeting. The United States did not sign.
What the statement asks
The signatories voiced solidarity with Ukraine and deep concern over the escalation of Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. They also raised attacks in the Black Sea and backed efforts to reach an agreement there that would secure freedom of navigation.
The statement recalls that Ukraine accepted a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire as early as March 2025. “We call on Russia to finally do the same, as a necessary step towards meaningful diplomacy and negotiations leading to peace,” it says.
It adds two humanitarian demands, described as confidence-building measures: the immediate return to Ukraine of all civilians arbitrarily detained, forcibly transferred or deported, children included, and the full return of prisoners of war and all interned persons.
Who signed, and who did not
Ukraine itself is on the list, alongside most European states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Georgia, Moldova and Costa Rica. Hungary and Honduras also put their names to it.
Washington’s absence stands out because the United States is acting as a mediator in the talks between Kyiv and Moscow. The statement landed during the 81st session of the General Assembly in New York, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was expected to speak on 23 September. The day before, President Donald Trump had urged Vladimir Putin to end the war.
Sources
- Fifty countries and EU call on Russia to cease fire, US does not support statement
- Peace negotiations in the Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)
