Russia and China are expected to block any punitive measures proposed at the UN Security Council, after the US set a special meeting on for Thursday to discuss the country.
China has reportedly objected to the meeting organised by the US, which holds the presidency this month, arguing that it is beyond the scope of the peace and security mandate of the council.
Russia voiced a procedural complaint, saying the matter should have been raised at a prior session earlier this month, but eight other council members supported the US.
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