UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed recent commitments from the White House, the Kremlin, and Kyiv aimed at halting attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia.
These commitments, linked to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, mark a significant step toward de-escalation.
Guterres while addressing European leaders in Brussels on Thursday, March 20, said “Any ceasefire is welcome because it saves lives, but it is essential that a ceasefire paves the way for a just peace in Ukraine.” The UN chief emphasized that a “just peace” must uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity, international law, and UN Security Council resolutions.
His remarks followed a joint statement by President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who are pushing to extend the ceasefire into the Black Sea — a crucial corridor for global trade in food and fertilizers.
“Reaching an agreement on safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, with security commitments and in line with the UN Charter and international law, would be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains. It would reflect the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
The UN has long been involved in ensuring safe Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea while facilitating Russian food and fertilizer shipments to prevent rising global food prices and food shortages.
In July 2022, the UN, along with Russia, Ukraine, and Türkiye, brokered the Black Sea Initiative in Istanbul. This agreement enabled more than 30 million tonnes of food exports from Ukrainian ports, providing a crucial boost to global food security. At the same time, a separate Memorandum of Understanding between the UN and Russia allowed for the movement of Russian grain and fertilizers.
However, in July 2023, Moscow withdrew from the agreement, prompting Guterres to express his deep regret. Despite this setback, the Secretary-General reaffirmed his unwavering support for “freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” while continuing discussions with Russia on global food security.
Ceasefire Faces Uncertainty Amid Escalating Drone Attacks
While efforts to broker peace continue, tensions on the ground remain high. A tentative ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia initiated following Trump’s mediation, has yet to be fully implemented. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Trump’s proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire, complicating efforts to bring an end to the three-year war.
Despite ongoing negotiations, intense drone warfare persists, causing widespread destruction. Overnight, Ukraine reported that Russia launched 171 long-range drones, with Ukrainian forces successfully shooting down 75. An additional 63 drones disappeared from radar, likely due to electronic jamming. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have destroyed 132 Ukrainian drones targeting six regions, including the annexed Crimea.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Kropyvnytskyi, a central Ukrainian city, which suffered its most severe attack of the war. Around four dozen drones struck the city, injuring 14 civilians, including a couple with severe burns, and damaging residential buildings. “In a cruel twist, enemy drones hit Myru Street (‘Peace Street’ in English),” said Andrii Raikovych, head of the regional administration.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Saratov region faced its largest drone assault yet, with over 50 drones intercepted. Governor Roman Busargin reported that the attacks shattered windows in a hospital, damaged two kindergartens and a school, and affected approximately 30 homes in Engels, a strategic city near Russia’s primary base for nuclear-capable bombers.
If peace comes to Ukraine, the number of troops that would help enforce it is vague. Officials estimate that between 10,000 and 30,000 personnel may be needed, but the specifics are still under discussion.
So far, only the United Kingdom and France have confirmed their willingness to send troops. Meanwhile, other countries, including Australia, Canada, and Finland, have expressed openness to supporting peacekeeping efforts in different capacities.
As diplomatic talks continue, it remains to be seen whether ceasefire efforts will lead to long-term stability or if renewed hostilities will push Ukraine and Russia further into conflict.
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