"UN Rift and Russian Vetoes Threaten Closure of Syria's Cross-Border Aid Lifeline"

Russia has threatened to end UN cross-border aid deliveries to opposition-held north-western Syria after the Security Council failed to pass resolutions reauthorizing them. Russia vetoed a nine-month extension for the use of the Bab al-Hawa crossing, which is crucial for delivering aid to 2.7 million civilians. The US accused Russia of "an act of utter cruelty." While aid deliveries through Bab al-Hawa must stop immediately, the UN can continue using two additional border crossings until August 13th. The Security Council first authorized UN cross-border aid deliveries in 2014, but Russia and China have repeatedly used their veto powers to block extensions, arguing that the operation violates Syria's sovereignty.