Russia Objects to UN Aid Renewal Decision for Syria

On Tuesday, Russia used its veto power to object to the renewal of a massive United Nations operation to send aid to northwest Syria from Turkey for a period of nine months. This occurred ahead of a second expected vote in the Security Council on Moscow's attempt to extend the mandate for six months. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated, "This is a sad moment for the Syrian people. What we just witnessed and what the world has seen is a very harsh act." She added, "We must continue this. The Syrian people rely on us, and we all must urge Russia to come back to the table in good faith." The mandate for the operation, which has been providing assistance including food, medicine, and shelter since 2014, expired yesterday, Monday. China abstained from voting on the resolution prepared by Switzerland and Brazil to renew the mandate for nine months as a compromise, while the other 13 Security Council members supported the resolution.