United Nations, Mar 20 (UNI) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the US-Russia understandings on Ukraine, according to a statement released to journalists.
"The Secretary-General welcomes the announcements by President Donald Trump of the United States and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation regarding an energy infrastructure ceasefire, as well as negotiations towards implementing the initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. He also welcomes the announcement that President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine agreed on a partial ceasefire against energy and that technical teams will discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea," the statement said.
It said these steps represent important confidence-building measures that can facilitate further discussions among towards de-escalation.
"He hopes that it will pave the way for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that fully respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement said.
It said reaching an agreement on safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, with security commitments, and in line with the UN Charter and international law would be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains, adding that it would reflect the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and Russia to global markets.
According to the statement, the Secretary-General has consistently supported the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, and also remains closely engaged in the continued implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with Russia on global food security.
During a phone call on Tuesday, Putin and Trump discussed the settlement of the Ukraine conflict and expressed mutual interest in normalising relations in light of their special responsibility for ensuring security and stability in the world, the Kremlin said.
The Kremlin added that during the call, Putin agreed to Trump's proposal that the parties to the conflict cease attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days.
UNI SPUTNIK ARN