Russia clashes with UN and US over aid to Syrian rebels

Russia's UN envoy has clashed with the world body's humanitarian chief as well as the US and other Western diplomats over extending the delivery of humanitarian aid across borders and conflict lines in Syria.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the UN Security Council today that the current mandate expiring in December, cannot remain as



it undermines Syria's sovereignty. 

The Security Council has authorised cross-border aid deliveries since 2014.

UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock told council members that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the mandate's renewal, saying it is essential to save lives.