The US administration does not rule out the introduction of additional sanctions against Russia, as well as new arms supplies to meet Ukraine's defense needs, if the Kremlin does not agree to a ceasefire and peace talks.

This statement was made on Thursday at a meeting of the UN Security Council by the US Permanent Representative to the Organization, Mike Waltz, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We may impose additional economic sanctions if Russia continues to ignore calls for a ceasefire, and we will also continue to provide weapons for Ukraine's defense," the US representative said.

He also stressed the need for both sides to agree to a ceasefire.

Diplomacy is the only path to a lasting and just peace, Waltz continued.

At the same time, the American representative drew the Security Council's attention to the problem of the return of Ukrainian children abducted by the Russians. He also expressed the US administration's intention to continue efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

"We ask all UN Member States to join us in supporting these efforts, calling for a ceasefire and an end to this war," the US Permanent Representative said.