Russia has blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria.

The resolution was drafted by Kuwait and Sweden, and calls for the cessation of hostilities throughout Syria for all military operations except those directed at the Islamic State, al Qaeda and al Nusra Front. The 30-day ceasefire would have made way for the delivery of aid and medical evacuations. Russia says the conflict in Syria continues to deepen "due to a sharp rise in terrorist attacks". Moscow says it plans to propose amendments to the text for it to be realistic.