Russia Vetoes Draft Resolution on Ukraine

Sylvie Lucas, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the UN and President of the Security Council for March 2014, begins the Security Council's consideration of a draft resolution which declares the planned referendum on independence for Ukraine's Crimea region illegal and urges countries not to recognise the results. The resolution, drafted by the United States delegation, comes after months of growing unrest in the region and weeks of UN officials appealing to all parties to de-escalate tensions and engage in direct and constructive dialogue to forge a peaceful way forward. The resolution eventually failed, receiving 13 votes in favour, one against from Russia and one abstention from China.