The United Nations has welcomed recent diplomatic talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Saudi Arabia.
This was contained in a statement by Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Dujarric said the UN chief’s good offices remain available to support all efforts toward a lasting peace in Ukraine, adding that the agreement on freedom of navigation and security in the Black Sea is a crucial step for global food security.
“Reaching an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to protect civilian vessels and port infrastructure will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains.
“It reflects the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets.
“The Secretary-General reiterates his hope that such efforts will pave the way for a durable ceasefire and contribute to achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Ukraine,”; Dujarric said.
Recall that the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to worsen, with nearly 13 million people in need of assistance.
UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya said that critical aid programs were at risk due to recent funding cuts, stressing that the shortfall is already having dire consequences, particularly for women and girls.
UN agencies fear that no fewer than 640,000 people could lose access to protection against gender-based violence, psychosocial support, and safe spaces.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (UNHRMMU) has verified at least 12,881 civilian deaths since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, though the actual toll is feared to be much higher.
