20 Mar, 07:36

UN chief welcomes steps toward de-escalation in Ukraine in wake of Putin-Trump call

According to Farhan Haq, the UN secretary-general hopes that "this will pave the way for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that fully respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine"

UNITED NATIONS, March 20. /TASS/. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the statements from US leader Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on refraining from attacks on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days by Russia and Ukraine, as well as talks to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the UN chief, said in a statement.

"He [Guterres] also welcomed the agreement between President Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on a partial ceasefire in the energy sector and that technical teams will discuss expanding the ceasefire in the Black Sea. These steps represent important confidence-building measures that can facilitate further negotiations between all parties involved to reduce the escalation of the war," Haq continued.

According to him, the UN secretary-general hopes that "this will pave the way for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that fully respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

Putin and Trump held a phone call on March 18, discussing the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a number of international issues, the Kremlin said. According to its account of the call, the Russian leader supported the US president’s initiative for an energy and infrastructure ceasefire in Ukraine. The White House said in the readout that the two leaders also agreed to begin technical negotiations "on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace." The key factor for the Russian side highlighted by Putin is a complete suspension of foreign military aid and intelligence transfer to Kiev, the Kremlin emphasized.

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Russian stock market in the red on Friday — market data

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Russia’s top security official thanks North Korea for solidarity on Ukraine

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Trump says likes idea of Charles III’s 'secret offer'

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