Russia has vetoed a UK-backed UN Security Council resolution aimed at securing a ceasefire in Sudan, a move condemned by both the UK and US.
The resolution, co-sponsored by the UK and Sierra Leone, called for an immediate halt to hostilities and negotiations toward a national ceasefire amid the ongoing 19-month civil war in Sudan, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million people.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy denounced Russia’s veto as a “disgrace,” questioning how many more lives must be lost before Russia acts. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia of obstructing efforts to address the “catastrophic situation” in Sudan and playing both sides to advance its political objectives.
Russia, which has shifted its position in the conflict, opposed the resolution, claiming it violated Sudan’s sovereignty. The country’s representative, Dmitry Polyanskiy, criticized the UK for interfering in Sudan’s affairs, calling the resolution an attempt to “meddle” in the country’s internal conflict.
Sudan’s government has been in control of a small part of the country, while the rest remains embroiled in violence between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan’s UN ambassador also raised concerns about the resolution’s omission of key clauses, including a condemnation of the UAE’s alleged support for the RSF.
The vetoed resolution failed to pass, with only Russia opposing it. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has caused widespread suffering, with human rights violations reported on both sides. The UN’s slow response to the crisis has also drawn criticism from Sudanese activists.