Russia has vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution demanding an end to the bombing of Aleppo city in Syria.
According to the Guardian, the draft text presented by France won 11 votes in favor, Russia and Venezuela voted against the resolution, while China and Angola abstained.
It was the fifth time that Moscow used its veto to block the UN action to end the five year war in Syria, which has claimed 300,000 lives.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault had urged the Security Council to take immediate action to save Aleppo from being destroyed by the Russia-backed Syrian bombing campaign.
Earlier, Russian presented its own draft text that urged for a separation of moderate and extremist forces in Syria but making no mention of a bombing halt in the besieged city of Aleppo.
The draft, put forward by Moscow failed to get the support of minimum nine votes. The draft resolution got four yes votes, nine no votes and two abstentions.
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It is reported that Russia's introduction of a rival resolution yesterday took Western supporters of the French draft by surprise.
Several diplomats privately called it a brilliant move by Moscow because it will force Western powers to veto as well.