Russia has vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan’s ongoing war and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to millions of affected civilians. The resolution, sponsored by the U.K. and Sierra Leone, was supported by all other members, including China, but failed due to Russia’s veto.
Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal conflict since April 2023, when tensions between the military and paramilitary forces exploded into violence in Khartoum and other regions, including Darfur. The conflict has claimed over 24,000 lives, displaced millions, and pushed the country to the brink of famine, according to U.N. reports.
U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned Russia’s veto as “a disgrace,” questioning how many more lives must be lost before action is taken. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking at the G20 summit, echoed these concerns, calling for global unity to end the violence and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Russia’s deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky defended the veto, stating that only Sudan’s government should decide on matters of civilian protection and border security. However, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized Russia’s stance, accusing Moscow of obstructing peace efforts to advance its own political objectives.
The U.N. resolution aimed to address the escalating casualties and dire humanitarian crisis. China, which supported the resolution, emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire to protect civilians. Sudan’s government has called for international condemnation of the RSF and its militias, as well as an end to the flow of weapons into the country.
The vetoed resolution highlights the complexity of Sudan’s conflict, with international powers split over their approach and regional actors allegedly fueling the war through military support to both sides. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, calls for collective action to address Sudan’s plight grow louder on the global stage.