Ukraine appeals to United Nations to stop Russia

Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations asked an emergency session of the Security Council in New York yesterday "to do everything possible now" to stop Russia's "aggression" as its troops took over the strategic Crimea region.

But action by the UN's most powerful body appears unlikely.

As a permanent member, Russia has veto power and can block the Council from adopting any resolution criticising or sanctioning Moscow.

In a phone call, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "urgently engage in direct dialogue with the authorities" in Kiev.

US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power told the Council it was "time for the Russian military intervention in Ukraine to end."

(via The Telegraph)