West criticises UN draft resolution tabled by Russia calling for Ukraine ceasefire
US describes Russia's draft UN resolution calling for an humanitarian corridor as "hypocritical" as western delegates contrast it with Moscow's blocking of similar resolutions on Syria
A Russian draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and a humanitarian corridor met with criticism from the West and cool response at the United Nations Security Council on Monday.
Moscow drafted the resolution at the start of its month-long presidency of the Council as Western powers want to enforce humanitarian corridors in Syria – a prospect blocked by Russia.
Moscow said it wanted to stop the violence in Ukraine, which has escalated between pro-Russian separatists and government forces, but its resolution met with strong rebuke from Washington.
The US State Department said it was “hypocritical” given that Russia was doing “nothing” to stop Russian-backed separatists from attacking new targets and holding Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) monitors hostage.
“So if they’re going to call for, would support a reduction in tensions and a de-escalation, it would be more effective for them to end those activities,” said spokeswoman Jen Psaki.