US envoy to UN says ending Russia-Ukraine war 'top priority' for Trump administration

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US envoy to the UN, Jennifer Locetta, said Tuesday that the Trump administration is intensifying diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

"Ending the Russia-Ukraine war remains a top priority for President (Donald) Trump. Under his leadership, the United States is working at all levels to urgently end hostilities through a permanent ceasefire and a negotiated settlement," Locetta said at a Security Council meeting.

The US is engaged in "tireless" shuttle diplomacy to try and bridge the divide between Moscow and Kiev, she said.

"We also want to move the parties toward a negotiated set of terms for a ceasefire. These discussions are complex and difficult, but thankfully, they are ongoing," said Locetta.

She said that for the war to end, Russia and Ukraine will have to make "difficult choices," emphasizing that Washington’s objective remains a peace agreement that maintains Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.

"I call on Moscow and Kiev to likewise follow President Trump's lead and stop the senseless loss of life, the death toll and the scale of destruction in both Ukraine and Russia only continues to grow," she said, adding the rising humanitarian cost of the war is "unacceptable."

Locetta described intensifying winter conditions, continued strikes on populated areas and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, saying millions are being left without heat or electricity.

"The killing must stop. Both sides must choose peace. As we move into 2026, we report there is an ongoing and productive dialog, but let us not miss this opportunity to secure a just and sustainable peace," Locetta said

Trump has launched an initiative to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022. Last week, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for talks, then traveled to the US state of Florida for multiple meetings with senior Ukrainian officials to reconcile disagreements on a proposed plan.