Russia failed to win UN backing for a condemnation of military strikes launched by the United States, Britain and France on Syria

The UN Security Council on Saturday rejected a Russian resolution calling to stop aggression against Syria. The resolution won three votes at the Security Council, far below the nine votes required for adoption. Eight countries voted against and four abstained.

Voting on the document took place during a meeting of the UN Security Council convened at Russia's initiative after the United States, France and the United Kingdom conducted strikes on Syria last night. Russia, China and Bolivia voted for the resolution.

Earlier in the day, Russia circulated the draft resolution condemning aggression against Syria by the United States and its allies. The draft resolution requires to immediately stop the aggression, as well as to refrain from further acts in violation of the UN Charter and international law.

Last night, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States fired over 100 missiles on Syrian targets which the Western allies believe are related to the Damascus' chemical weapons program. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the attacks as an act of aggression against a sovereign state, since neither Russian military experts nor local residents confirmed the fact of a chemical attack in Syria, which became a pretext for strikes.