Russia Blocks UN Resolution Demanding Ceasefire in Sudan
Russia on Monday vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions of civilians facing dire conditions. The resolution, backed by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, had the support of all other Security Council members, including Russia’s ally China, but Moscow’s opposition prevented its adoption.
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy, who chaired the meeting, condemned Russia’s decision, calling it “a disgrace.” He added, “While Britain works with our African partners, Russia vetoes their will.”
Sudan has been engulfed in violence since April 2023, when long-standing tensions between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into a full-scale conflict. Fighting has devastated the capital, Khartoum, and spread to regions like Darfur, which suffered atrocities during the early 2000s.
The conflict has resulted in over 24,000 deaths and created what the UN describes as the world’s most severe displacement crisis. Millions are at risk of famine, with the UN’s political chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, accusing external actors of “enabling the slaughter.”
At the G20 meeting in Brazil, U.S. President Joe Biden echoed these concerns, describing Sudan as facing “one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises.” He called on external actors to stop arming the warring factions and urged international unity in pressuring Sudan’s military leaders to halt the violence.
“Stop tearing your country apart. Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people. Stop the violence,” Biden stated.
Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky defended the veto, arguing that Sudan’s government should have sole responsibility for addressing the conflict. In response, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized Russia for obstructing efforts to save lives, accusing Moscow of exploiting the situation for political gain.
Both warring parties in Sudan have reportedly received external support. The RSF is alleged to have backing from Russia’s Wagner Group, as well as supply lines through Chad, Libya, and South Sudan. Meanwhile, Sudan’s government, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is backed by Egypt and has reportedly explored military assistance from Iran, although these claims remain unverified.
The United Nations and humanitarian organizations continue to warn of a worsening crisis as the war grinds on, with millions of Sudanese civilians caught in the crossfire and humanitarian aid severely hindered.
