UNITED NATIONS — Forcing a possible United Nations showdown with Russia over the Venezuela crisis, the United States distributed a resolution on Wednesday calling for “free, fair and credible presidential elections” in the impoverished Latin American country and unfettered distribution of humanitarian aid.

The resolution was likely to be put to a Security Council vote on Thursday, Council diplomats said, and barring some compromise was almost certain to be vetoed by Russia.

A resolution needs nine yes votes in the 15-member Council to win, but a no vote by any of the five permanent members, which include Russia, would block it.

Diplomats said an aim in bringing the measure to a vote was to embarrass the Russians, who have stood by President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and described him as the victim of American big-power bullying and arrogance.