Russia, US Veto Rival Sahara Resolutions

Russia vetoed a U.S.-drafted Security Council resolution on Western Sahara despite 11 votes in favor, blocking a proposal to rename MINURSO without the word “Referendum” and make Morocco’s autonomy plan the sole basis for negotiations. The U.S. then vetoed Russia’s competing draft, which would have extended MINURSO’s mandate for a year while leaving its name and existing framework unchanged. With neither proposal adopted just before the mission’s mandate was due to expire, its future became uncertain. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz argued that a referendum had long been considered unworkable, while France and the United Kingdom criticized Russia’s veto and warned of risks amid renewed regional tensions.