Russia Vetoes UN Resolution Against Syria

Russia on Wednesday vetoed the UN Security Council’s resolution to condemn a deadly gas attack in Syria last week.

The resolution also pushed for the Syrian government to cooperate with investigators on the deadly attack.

China, however, abstained from the vote, alongside Ethiopia and Kazakhstan.

Ten countries voted in favour of the text, while Bolivia joined Russia in voting no.

The resolution was pushed by France, U.K. and the U.S.

Russia’s veto was the eighth by the country at the UN Security Council, in a bid to shield Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN and Council’s President for the month of April, Nikki Haley, condemned Russia’s veto, warning that it was being increasingly isolated globally for supporting Syria’s al-Assad.

UK Ambassador to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, also condemned Russia’s veto and asked the country to be “responsible”.

“Time and time again Russia has abused its veto to protect the regime and to defend its use of chemical weapons.

“However, it is not too late for Russia to change course. It is not too late for Russia to fulfill its responsibilities as a permanent member of this Security Council,” he said.