Czechia joins 50 nations urging Russia to accept Ukraine ceasefire; Moscow rejects pause

Around 50 countries, including Czechia and Slovakia, called on Russia to agree to a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. The appeal was made at the UN General Assembly in New York. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha presented the declaration, expressing concern over civilian casualties and attacks in the Black Sea. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected the call, saying Moscow will not pause its "special military operation." Lavrov claimed Europe wants a pause only to resupply Ukraine with weapons. The declaration was supported by the EU and many other nations, but the United States was not among the signatories.