On Monday, Russia exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, blocking a resolution that sought to pressure Sudan’s conflicting sides into a ceasefire.
The resolution, introduced by Britain and Sierra Leone, was supported by 14 council members, including China, but Russia stood firm in its opposition.
Moscow argued that the proposed measure was another instance of Western overreach, with Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy highlighting the UK’s attempt to impose influence under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Polyanskiy condemned the “double standards” of certain nations that simultaneously back military actions in Gaza while advocating intervention in Sudan, describing the approach as “British neo-colonialism.”
The conflict in Sudan, ongoing since April 2023 between General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces, has created a dire humanitarian situation with nearly 25 million people in need of assistance.
Russia maintains that genuine peace efforts must prioritize Sudanese sovereignty and avoid external impositions.