Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Monday evening. The resolution was submitted by Egypt, Spain and New Zealand and called for an initial ceasefire period of seven days in Aleppo that aims to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to residents who are besieged in the eastern neighbourhoods because of the battles taking place.

The resolution received 11 votes in favour and was opposed by three states, two of which have the “power of veto”, and one state abstained from voting on it. The draft resolution stipulated that “all parties to the Syrian conflict stop attacks in the city of Aleppo” during an initial period of seven days and stated that this ceasefire would be renewable for periods of 24 hours. It also stated that this temporary truce would be a prelude to a ceasefire in all parts of Syria according to UN resolution 2268.

The draft resolution includes ending the strikes against all groups, even against those classified by the UN Security Council as terrorist organisations such as Al-Nusra Front and ISIS. It also demands that the Syrian opposition distance itself from terrorist groups.

The countries that submitted the resolution said its goal is to achieve the minimum requirements to reduce the levels of violence, deliver humanitarian aid and create conditions that will allow the Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura to resume talks on the political transition process.