UN Chief calls for expansion of Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for a regional ceasefire agreed by Russia and Ukraine in Oleshky to be extended to other areas where civilians are suffering.

In a statement issued via a UN spokesperson, Guterres said he hoped the truce would help ease tensions across the broader conflict and create conditions for an immediate, comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire.

He noted this should pave the way for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions.

A humanitarian ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia in the area around Oleshky took effect on Tuesday.

Oleshky is located on the left bank of the Dnieper River. The town, currently under Russian control, has been experiencing worsening shortages of food and other essential supplies amid continuous fighting.

The Iranian navy said Thursday evening that an oil tanker was forced to halt operations after striking a mine and catching fire in a restricted zone east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident came hours after the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that three oil tankers that sought to cross the Strait of Hormuz through the "unauthorized" route south of the waterway exploded and caught fire after striking naval mines.

The IRGC navy said no vessel is allowed to pass through the restricted zone in the Strait of Hormuz without prior coordination or in the mistaken belief of U.S. claims. Uncoordinated navigation in dangerous waters has posed, and will continue to pose, a serious threat to vessels and crew, it added.