A Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Monday called on parties concerned to seize the opportunity for peace talks and work toward a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, as Russia, Ukraine and the United States prepare for a new round of trilateral negotiations.

"The Ukraine issue is approaching a critical moment for a negotiated settlement, and the international community's calls for peace and its encouragement of peace talks are growing ever stronger," Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Sun said recent engagements among key stakeholders have sent positive signals, adding that China supports efforts conducive to peace and hopes the parties will maintain the positive momentum toward an early political settlement.

"We must strengthen the will for peace and seize the window of opportunity for peace talks," Sun said.

He noted that the parties have recently expressed their views on achieving a political settlement, while the international community has undertaken extensive diplomatic efforts to promote negotiations.

"The parties concerned should demonstrate political will, maintain contact and communication, build consensus step by step, and work together toward a comprehensive, durable and binding peace agreement," he said.

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Sun's remarks came ahead of a new round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

Ukraine's negotiating delegation departed for Abu Dhabi on Monday, according to Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, Xinhua reported.

Representatives from the UK, France, Germany and Italy, along with officials from NATO and the European Commission, also are expected to be present in Abu Dhabi, where Ukraine plans to hold separate coordination meetings with European partners, Umerov said.

The negotiations will mark the first trilateral meeting involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States since February.

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On the humanitarian situation, Sun called for efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians, noting recent prisoner exchanges and a localized humanitarian ceasefire that allowed civilians to evacuate frontline areas and receive assistance.

"We call on the parties to put people's lives first, exercise calm and restraint, and effectively protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially women, children and other victims of the conflict," he said.

Sun also urged intensified humanitarian relief efforts and called on the parties to ensure proper treatment of prisoners of war and detained persons in accordance with applicable international law.

Addressing the prospects for lasting peace, Sun stressed the need to tackle the underlying causes of the crisis.

"There are no winners in conflict and war," he said.

"The parties concerned should draw lessons from this crisis, uphold the principle that security is indivisible, attach importance to and properly address each other's legitimate security concerns, especially the root causes of the conflict, and build a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture," he added.

Reaffirming China's consistent position on Ukraine, Sun said Beijing has maintained close communication with Russia, Ukraine and other parties, has conducted shuttle diplomacy, and worked to create conditions for peace talks.

"China stands ready to work with the international community and continue to make unremitting efforts toward an early ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and lasting peace and stability in the region," he said.