US ambassador to UN threatens new sanctions and promises Ukraine weapons if Russia does not stop war

Mike Waltz, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, has stated that America is ready to impose additional economic sanctions on Russia and continue providing military support to Ukraine if the Kremlin does not agree to a ceasefire and begin genuine talks.

Source: Waltz at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council

Details: Waltz stressed during his address that diplomacy remains the only path to a lasting and just peace. He said the United States had made every effort at the highest level to bring the war to an end.

Quote: "We have proposed generous terms for Russia, including sanctions relief. We have asked Russia to halt its attacks and meet directly with Ukraine to negotiate a peaceful settlement.

Unfortunately, the fighting continues, tragically causing more civilian casualties. And we've also seen incursions now into the airspace of third countries, including of our NATO allies, actions that risk widening this conflict even further."

Details: Waltz also stated that Ukraine's counteroffensive actions had dealt significant blows to Russia's energy sector and other critical infrastructure, limiting the Kremlin's ability to finance its war economy. He noted that Russia had suffered over a million losses and remained under severe international sanctions.

He emphasised that the war cannot be concluded by military means alone and therefore the leaders of Russia and Ukraine must begin talks and agree to a ceasefire. In his speech, he called on the international community, particularly European countries, to stop purchasing Russian energy resources.

The US ambassador clearly outlined Washington's next steps should Russia ignore calls for peace.

"We can impose further economic costs if Russia continues to ignore calls for a ceasefire. We will also continue to make weapons available for Ukraine's defence," he said.

Waltz also addressed the issue of abducted and missing Ukrainian children, urging the UN to step up efforts to secure their return from Russia.

"We ask all UN Member states to join us in supporting these efforts, calling for a ceasefire and ending this war," he concluded.

Background:

• Prior to that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with a US military delegation led by US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, during which they agreed to swiftly discuss and conclude a peace agreement.
• The Financial Times reported that US President Donald Trump's administration is exerting heavy pressure on Ukraine, demanding that it agree to the American-Russian "peace plan" by 27 November.

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