The United Nations has welcomed recent diplomatic talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for secretary-general António Guterres, said the UN chief’s good offices remained available to support all efforts towards a lasting peace in Ukraine.

According to the UN, the agreement on freedom of navigation and security in the Black Sea is crucial for global food security.

“Reaching an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to protect civilian vessels and port infrastructure will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains.

“It reflects the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets,” Mr Dujarric said. “The secretary-general reiterates his hope that such efforts will pave the way for a durable ceasefire and contribute to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

”This is in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions and in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to worsen, with nearly 13 million people in need of assistance.

However, funds are dwindling, a top UN relief official warned ambassadors in the Security Council.

Joyce Msuya, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, added that critical aid programmes were at risk due to recent funding cuts. The shortfall is already having dire consequences, particularly for women and girls.

UN agencies fear that at least 640,000 could lose access to protection against gender-based violence, psychosocial support and safe spaces.

“Recent funding cuts have led to a re-prioritisation of Ukraine response efforts that will be announced in the coming weeks. Continued financial support will be essential to maintain operations,” Ms Msuya said.

The $2.6 billion Ukraine humanitarian needs and response plan for 2025, which aims to reach six million people in need, is only 17 per cent funded.

Ms Msuya also highlighted the impact of the fighting on civilians.

“Since 1 March, not a day has passed without an attack harming civilians,” she said.

She noted civilian deaths, injuries and damage to infrastructure across northern, central, eastern and southern Ukraine.

“In frontline communities, civilians are confronted with relentless shelling and face impossible choices. They flee under dangerous conditions, leaving behind everything they own, or stay and risk injury, death and limited access to essential services,” she warned.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has verified at least 12,881 civilian deaths since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

However, the actual toll is feared to be much higher.

(NAN)