U.N. welcomes possible Ukraine ceasefire, warns trade wars harm all countries

The U.N. Secretary-General said he welcomed a possible ceasefire in Ukraine and urged that any ceasefire pave the way for a just peace grounded in the U.N. Charter and international law.

Asked about reports that Ukraine had agreed in principle to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, the secretary-general said, "we, of course, will welcome a ceasefire in Ukraine. Too many people have died. A ceasefire is indeed a positive thing. We hope that it will materialize. And we hope that it will pave the way for peace, a just peace." He added that the parameters relevant to a just peace include "the Charter, international law, and resolutions of the General Assembly."

On the question of rising protectionist measures and what a reporter termed a "global trade war," the secretary-general said free trade creates conditions for broad mutual benefit and warned of the consequences of escalating tariffs. "When we enter into a trade war, I believe all will lose," he said, noting the interlinked nature of the global economy.

The secretary-general framed both issues within broader themes of interconnected global challenges and reiterated the U.N.'s role as an essential forum for advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights. The remarks came during a short question-and-answer period following his prepared statement announcing an internal review initiative.

The transcript records the Ukraine ceasefire as having been described by the questioner as a U.S. proposal agreed to "in principle" by Ukraine; the secretary-general welcomed such a development but did not name any parties to implement the ceasefire nor specify follow-up measures. He similarly warned of the general harms of trade conflict but did not outline specific U.N. measures in response.