In northern Syria, displaced blame Russia for end to vital aid

Displaced people living in opposition-controlled areas had to flee their homes in the face of a Russian-backed Syrian government advance [Ali Haj Suleiman/Al Jazeera]

Idlib, Syria – A decision made thousands of miles away is expected to have a direct impact on the residents of northwest Syria, as the United Nations Security Council failed to pass a resolution that would have extended vital cross-border aid to the opposition-held territory.

Russia exercised its veto power at the body on Tuesday to block the renewal of a major UN operation that delivers aid to northwest Syria from Turkey for a period of nine months.