insiderblm
At the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Russia vetoed a nine-month extension of a crucial assistance route to Syria, putting the viability of the crucial system that saves the lives of millions of people in jeopardy.
The UN-mediated arrangement that allowed aid to be transported by land from Turkey into Syria’s rebel-held regions expired on Monday.
Russia has insisted on a six-month extension, despite the fact that many council members, including the United States and Britain, have advocated for a one-year extension.
It rejected the Swiss and Brazilian proposals for a nine-month compromise.
The veto was described by US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield as “an act of utter cruelty.”
The 15 members of the Security Council have been attempting for days to reach an agreement to renew the agreement, which has been in place since 2014 and permits the shipment of food, water, and medical supplies to northwest Syria without the consent of Damascus.
More than 80% of the requirements of residents residing in rebel-controlled areas are met by the crossing, including everything from chickpeas to diapers and blankets. The humanitarian distributions are routinely criticized by the government in Damascus as a breach of its sovereignty.
For years, Russia has been making inroads inside the aid system.
There were previously four access crossings into Syria controlled by rebels, but only the Bab al-Hawa border is still open. Due to pressure from recipients, the aid mechanism is up for renewal every six months.
