The UN Security Council has agreed on a joint position for the first time more than two months after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The most powerful UN body declared unanimously on Friday - also with the consent of aggressor Russia - that it was "deeply concerned" about the conflict in Ukraine.
At the same time, the Security Council welcomed the mediation efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
While the agreement is seen as the panel's weakest possible statement, it is also a glimmer of hope that stalled diplomacy on New York's East River could get some movement.
"Following the UN Secretary-General's meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, this is a signal that Russia and the West are ready to give Guterres a chance for more shuttle diplomacy," said UN expert Richard Gowan of the Crisis Group think tank.
Russia, after invading Ukraine, used its veto power to prevent any possible action by the Council related to the war.
Western diplomats describe deep rifts in their daily dealings with Moscow's representatives.
The five permanent members and veto powers USA, Russia, China, France and Great Britain as well as ten non-permanent states belong to the UN Security Council.