Russia vetoes UN draft resolution on Syria gas attack probe

Russia has vetoed a UN resolution condemning the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and urging a speedy investigation. The resolution, which aimed to bolster support for international inquiries into a deadly toxic gas attack in Khan Sheikhoun last week, was being pushed by the US, Britain and France. While 10 nations voted in favour, Russia and Bolivia vetoed the resolution, while China, Kazakhstan and Ethiopia abstained.

It marks the eighth time Russia has vetoed a vote on a Syria resolution. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he was “dismayed” at Russia’s decision to veto the resolution, saying it put the country on the “wrong side of the argument”. It comes after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that trust between Moscow and Washington had plunged to a “low level” amid rising tensions over the war in Syria.
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