Russian bans US anti-Turkish statement in UN

Russia on Friday blocked a statement at the UN Security Council that called for a halt to Turkey's military operation in northeastern Syria, Anadolu Agency reports. The U.S.-drafted statement urged Turkey to end the operation and address its security concerns through diplomatic channels, according to diplomats from the UN.

The diplomats said China joined Moscow in raising an objection. A statement obtained by Anadolu Agency said the Security Council members expressed "deep concern" over the Turkish operation and "its implications, including humanitarian and security dimensions."

Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring on Wednesday to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.