The Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis holds an ambassadorial-level meeting at the UN on October 29, 2025 local time, marking the first anniversary of the group's establishment. Photo: Website of Permanent Mission of China to the UN

The Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis held an ambassadorial-level meeting at the UN headquarters on Wednesday local time, marking the first anniversary of the group's establishment. 

The meeting, co-chaired by China's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Fu Cong, and Brazil's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sergio Danese, reaffirmed that only a negotiated political solution, including through inclusive diplomacy and political means based on the UN Charter, can bring this conflict to an end.

The meeting, held following the first anniversary of the Group, brought together representatives largely from the Global South, as well as countries directly connected to the conflict. Over the past year, the Group has consistently advocated for an early peaceful resolution, emphasizing dialogue, engagement, and the pursuit of common ground within the international community, according to a statement published on the Permanent Mission of China to the UN. 

Ambassadors from Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey, Mexico, Colombia, and Ethiopia attended the meeting, while representatives from France, Hungary, Slovakia, Switzerland, and the UN Secretariat participated as observers. Participants exchanged views on the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis and discussed ways for the Group to play a more effective role in promoting peace.

Ambassador Fu emphasized that over the past year, the Group of Friends for Peace has upheld an objective, impartial, and constructive stance, voicing the strong call from the Global South for a ceasefire and a political settlement. He said the Group's efforts have been increasingly recognized by the international community and pledged that it will continue to create conditions and build momentum for peace talks aimed at achieving a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis.

The Group reaffirmed its support for all peace-promoting efforts and welcomed recent contacts between the relevant parties, including past meetings between leaders of Russia, Ukraine, the US, and other countries. It called on all sides to "seize the current opportunity and maintain the momentum of engagement and talks."

Expressing deep concern over the prolonged hostilities, the Group reiterated its call for "an immediate and complete ceasefire," warning against any expansion of the battlefield or escalation of fighting. It urged all parties to refrain from actions that could further fuel the conflict, including the proliferation of weapons.

The Group expressed readiness to support further discussions, including possible talks on a roadmap for peace, and said the UN should play a key role in facilitating diplomacy and implementing any future peace agreement.

The Group also highlighted the need for greater humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians—particularly women, children, and aid workers—calling on all sides to respect international humanitarian law and to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities. It encouraged initiatives for the humane treatment and exchange of prisoners of war as a confidence-building measure.

The Group voiced concern over the impact of unilateral sanctions, saying such measures adversely affect third parties, especially in the Global South. It emphasized the importance of safeguarding nations' rights to conduct normal trade and economic cooperation.

Recognizing the global consequences of the war, the Group noted that issues such as food and energy security should be integral to any peace process and urged greater inclusion of Global South voices in shaping solutions.

Following the meeting, Ambassadors Fu and Danese delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Group. The statement called for an early ceasefire, urged all sides to avoid expanding the battlefield and refrain from supplying weapons to the parties involved, and stressed the importance of strengthening humanitarian assistance and protecting civilians.

The Group also expressed concern over the negative impact of unilateral sanctions, encouraged dialogue and negotiation toward a comprehensive political solution, and reaffirmed its support for the UN's role in promoting diplomatic efforts.

The Group of Friends for Peace will continue to play a constructive role in seeking a political settlement and contributing to peace, the statement concluded.