More than 50 UN member states, including Georgia, call on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.

The joint statement was released by Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

“Today Ukraine is celebrating Independence Day - 35 years since it declared independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. This was a decision taken by the Ukrainian people that was recognised by the international community, including Russia. However, instead of a day of celebration, today’s day also marks four and a half years since the start of Russia’s illegal, full-scale military invasion of Ukraine - a clear and continuous violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law. Russia’s invasion has called into question the foundations of the rules-based international order and has undermined both regional and global peace and security,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted.

According to him, the signatories of the statement once again reaffirm their unwavering commitment to ensuring full accountability for crimes committed in violation of international law. “Justice must be ensured for the victims - especially in order to prevent future atrocities in the world,” the head of Denmark’s foreign ministry noted.

According to him, the consequences of the war are also felt beyond Ukraine’s borders.

“Several of our European partners have experienced numerous airspace violations and drone incidents, which are both dangerous and unacceptable. These incidents carry a growing risk of miscalculations and further escalation, and it does not end there. The broader international community also feels this impact. Russia is attacking grain shipments in the Black Sea and port facilities in Ukraine, and operations are disrupted, which has enormous consequences for the entire world and affects global food security,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted.

According to him, this senseless war and enormous human suffering can be ended immediately.

“Russia simply needs to accept an unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine and the international community have been demanding for more than a year and a half. Ukraine wants peace. We also want peace. We categorically call on Russia to respond to the calls for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and to resume negotiations for a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. We once again reaffirm our firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. On this special day - Ukraine’s Independence Day - we will again stand firmly by Ukraine’s side. There is no alternative to a just and sustainable peace in accordance with the UN Charter,” the joint statement notes.

Lars Løkke Rasmussen released the statement on behalf of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the Delegation of the European Union.