### Russia Blocks UN Resolution Calling for Ceasefire in Sudan

In a decisive move met with significant criticism from the United Kingdom and the United States, Russia has exercised its veto power against a UN Security Council resolution drafted by the UK that sought a ceasefire in Sudan. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the Russian veto as a "disgrace." However, Russia defended its position, accusing the UK of interfering in Sudan's domestic matters without involving the Sudanese government.

Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war for 19 months, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and displacing over 11 million people from their homes. Humanitarian organizations have termed the situation as the world's worst crisis, with countless individuals facing the threat of famine. Sudanese activists have also criticized the UN for its slow response to the escalating conflict, which erupted in April last year following a power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The UK and Sierra Leone collaborated on the draft resolution, urging both warring factions to cease hostilities immediately and engage in peace talks to establish a national ceasefire. The resolution also called for the protection of civilians and cited specific RSF attacks in Darfur and other regions. Sudan's UN representative argued that certain clauses desired by the Sudanese government were omitted from the text.

Despite receiving support from the remaining 14 Security Council members, the resolution was blocked by Russia's veto. In response, British Foreign Secretary Lammy condemned Russia's action, questioning how many more lives must be lost before Russia would choose to act. U.S. ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, also voiced strong disapproval, accusing Russia of obstructing efforts to address Sudan's dire humanitarian situation for its own political gains.

Russian representative Dmitry Polyanskiy countered these accusations by asserting that the resolution ignored Sudanese sovereignty. He claimed that the UK was attempting to create an opportunity to interfere in Sudan's affairs. In a post on X, Polyanskiy chastised the UK for allegedly trying to meddle in Sudan's crisis to further Western agendas.

After the Security Council's deliberations, Sudan's ambassador to the UN, Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, expressed dissatisfaction with the draft resolution. He noted that Sudan had sought to include a clause condemning the United Arab Emirates' alleged backing of the RSF, which the UAE has denied. Additionally, the Sudanese government wanted the RSF to be labeled as terrorists due to their actions against civilians.

Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have been accused of committing human rights violations that may constitute war crimes. The ongoing conflict's toll includes a recent tragedy where 16 people died after a building collapse in Dar es Salaam. An election aimed at transitioning Sudan to civilian governance is tentatively scheduled for August next year.