UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the statements of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on refraining from attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days by Russia and Ukraine, as well as negotiations to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea.
"He also welcomed the agreement between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a partial ceasefire in the energy sector and that technical teams will discuss expanding the ceasefire in the Black Sea. These steps represent important confidence-building measures that can facilitate further negotiations between all parties involved to reduce the escalation of the war. The Secretary-General hopes that this will pave the way for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that fully respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” the Secretary-General’s Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said in a statement.
It noted that “achieving an agreement on safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, with security guarantees and in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, would be an important contribution to global food security and the stability of supply chains.”
“It would also highlight the importance of trade routes from Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets. The Secretary-General has consistently supported the principle of freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. In addition, the Secretary-General continues to actively participate in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on Global Food Security,“ the statement emphasized.