51 Countries Back Ukraine in Joint Statement, Call for Freedom of Navigation in Black Sea

51 countries have signed a joint statement in support of Ukraine, condemning Russian aggression and calling for freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The declaration was announced on Wednesday by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, as the Security Council convened on Ukraine.

“As the Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Ukraine, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and peace. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine as it continues to face Russia’s aggressive war,” the statement reads.

The declaration comes as Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports is hampering the country’s agricultural exports and threatening global food security. Russia has regularly struck civilian vessels — including a Tanzanian-flagged ship on September 17, in an attack that killed the captain and injured three crew members.

The declaration was signed by most European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Panama and South Korea.

The document expresses “deep concern” over Russia’s escalation against civilians and civilian infrastructure, with a record number of casualties in recent months according to the UN, and calls on Russia to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

“Russia is trying to strangle Ukraine’s grain exports, thus risking global food security. We therefore support efforts for a Black Sea agreement that protects freedom of navigation and call for the protection of merchant ships and critical infrastructure,” Kallas declared.

The EU’s foreign policy chief stressed that Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire since March 2025 and called on Russia to do the same: “Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. Russia must stop its aggression, accept the ceasefire and engage in serious negotiations toward a just and lasting peace.”

Source: The Kyiv Independent