Russia has vetoed a British-drafted UN resolution that promised action against violations of a UN arms embargo on Yemen.

VASSILY NEBENZIA RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UN "We fully endorse the majority of the provisions set forth in this resolution, however, we cannot concur with uncorroborated conclusions and evidence which requires verification and discussions within the sanctions committee."

A January report by a UN panel of experts said Iran violated the 2015 arms embargo, by failing to prevent a supply of missiles and drones to Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen. The experts examined missile remnants fired into Saudi Arabia by the Houthis last year, and said many "are consistent with those of the Iranian designed and manufactured Qiam-1 missile". Kelley Currie, a US representative to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, said Russia's veto served only to protect Iran's efforts to destabilise the region.