The Secretary-General welcomes the positive news that today’s consultations between the Contact Group and representatives of armed groups have resulted in the agreement of a cease-fire. He also welcomes the recent discussions between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia which have played a part in today’s breakthrough and strongly encourages those contacts to continue.

The Secretary-General stresses that credible and comprehensive monitoring and verification are essential elements for successful implementation of the cease-fire and the peace plan. He encourages all who committed to the agreement to display good will and take concrete steps towards urgent, full and effective implementation. He calls on the entire international community to rally behind these agreements to serve the interests of a sustainable peace based on a solution that leads to full respect of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The cessation of hostilities will further allow the UN and other humanitarian actors of the international community to deliver critical humanitarian assistance and other needed support to the impacted areas.

The Secretary-General reiterates that there is no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine. He strongly asserts that it is time to end this destructive conflict once and for all, to stop the bloodshed and to start rebuilding communities and livelihoods in a safe, stable and sovereign Ukraine. He offers the full support of the UN to efforts in this direction as appropriate and requested by the parties.