Russia has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution telling Moscow to stop attacking Ukraine and withdraw all troops immediately.
It came as a spokesman for Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said he is willing to hold peace talks with Russia 'immediately'.
Russia's veto was expected, but the United States and its supporters argued that the effort would highlight Moscow’s international isolation.
The 11-1 vote — with China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstaining — showed significant but not total opposition to Russia’s invasion of its smaller, militarily weaker neighbour.
The resolution’s failure paves the way for backers to call for a swift vote on a similar measure in the 193-member UN General Assembly, where there are no vetoes.
There was no immediate timetable for a potential Assembly vote.
Spearheaded by the US and Albania, the Security Council resolution would have deplored Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine.
It called for Moscow immediately to pull out its military and stop using force against Ukraine, and to reverse a decision to recognise two separatist areas in eastern Ukraine as independent.
Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they can function as statements of world opinion.
In an Assembly meeting on Wednesday as Moscow’s invasion loomed, dozens of countries condemned Russia or expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
Russia and ally Syria defended Moscow’s moves.
Ukraine is willing to hold peace talks with Russia 'immediately' a spokesman for the country's president Volodymyr Zelensky has said tonight.
And he has denied reports that country rebuffed an offer to discuss a ceasefire with Russia.
He said Russian and Ukrainian officials are currently discussing a time and place for talks to be held.
Serhiy Nykyforov, who speaks on behalf of President Zelensky said on Facebook: "I have to deny statements that we have refused to hold talks. Ukraine was and remains ready to talk about the end to fighting and about peace. This is our unchanged position.
"We agreed to the offer by the Russian president. Right at this moment, the sides are consulting on the place and time of holding the negotiating process.
"The sooner the talks begin, the more chances there will be to restore normal life."
Russia has reportedly said it will only talk when all of the Ukrainian armed forces surrender.
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