French President Francois Hollande denounced on Wednesday “systematic obstruction” by Russia at the UN Security Council after vetoing a resolution that calls for a ceasefire in Aleppo but doesn’t guarantee withdrawal of terrorists.

Russia and China vetoed the French-backed measure on Tuesday in New York.

“Russia’s systematic obstruction bolsters the regime of Bashar al-Assad in its destructive drive which is harming the defenseless civilian population,” a statement from Hollande’s office said.

Syria’s army took control of all of Aleppo’s Old City Wednesday as militants retreated in the face of an offensive that has seen troops capture three-quarters of opposition territory in the battered city.

French ambassador to the UN Francois Delattre accused Russia on Tuesday of having “decided to take Aleppo regardless of the human cost.”

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the United States and other states that back the resolution of buying time for militants in Aleppo, as he announced Washington’s withdrawal of its proposal on the embattled city.

“They have withdrawn their document and have a new one. Our initial impression is that this new document backtracks, and is an attempt to buy time for the militants, allow them to catch their breath and resupply,” Lavrov said.

Source: AFP