In a significant diplomatic development, the United Nations has expressed its welcome regarding the unilateral ceasefires announced by Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The move comes as both nations implement temporary pauses in hostilities, offering a glimmer of hope for a broader resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, confirmed the news during a daily press briefing on Tuesday. He highlighted that Ukraine's unilateral ceasefire began on the night of May 5 to 6, while Russia's ceasefire is scheduled to take place over May 8 and 9, coinciding with Victory Day commemorations.
While these temporary measures are a positive step, the United Nations continues to push for a more permanent solution. Secretary-General Guterres reiterated his urgent call for a full, immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire. The UN emphasizes that such a truce must lead to a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace, grounded in the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions.
The current ceasefires follow announcements made on Monday. Russia's Defense Ministry declared the Victory Day truce, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would commence its ceasefire starting Wednesday, May 6, without specifying a definitive end date.
This development follows a previous attempt at a temporary ceasefire during last month's Orthodox Easter holiday. However, that period was marred by mutual accusations of treaty violations, underscoring the fragility of current diplomatic efforts. As the global community watches closely, the successful implementation of these latest ceasefires remains critical for future peace negotiations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
