Ukraine agrees to full ceasefire, urges Russia to follow suit

Ukraine has agreed to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire and is calling on Russia to take the same step, according to a joint statement by 51 UN member states published on September 23. The statement, released on Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Telegram channel, urges Russia to ensure the safe return of all arbitrarily detained, forcibly displaced, or deported Ukrainian civilians, including children. It also accuses Russia of attempting to block Ukrainian grain exports, threatening global food security. The joint declaration supports efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and states that Russia must end its aggression, agree to a ceasefire, and meaningfully engage in negotiations for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.