Russia vetos resolution from Albania and the US to condemn annexing Ukrainian regions

Russia has used its veto of the UN Security Council to abolish a draft resolution seeking to condemn its annexes of Ukrainian territory, which was drafted by Albania and the US.

Moscow's close friends China and India chose to abstain instead of vote against the resolution condemning the Kremlin's recent actions in Ukraine.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Grenfield presented the resolution at the Security Council meeting, which called on member states not to recognise any changed status of Ukraine and forced Russia to withdraw its troops.

Yesterday was the largest annexation in Europe since World War II, when Russian President Vladimir Putin formalised Russian rule over four regions that make up 15 per cent of Ukraine's territory.

The resolution, co-sponsored by the US and Albania, called for condemning illegal referenda held in parts occupied by Russia and that all states not recognise any changes in the borders of Ukraine.

The resolution also called on Russia to withdraw troops immediately from Ukraine, ending an invasion that began on 24 February.

Ten countries voted in favour of the resolution, while China, Gabon, India and Brazil abstained, reports AlJazeera, broadcasts Klankosova.tv.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia, who raised his hand to show his only vote against the resolution, said that regions where Moscow has invaded territory by force and where fighting still continues, chose to be part of Russia.

There will be no going back as it would try to impose today's “draft resolution, Nebenzia said at the meeting.