The UN’s top human rights official on Saturday said 230 civilians were killed in the past week by a government offensive backed by Russian airstrikes, warning the attacks may constitute war crimes. Ceasefire floundersLast week, the UN urged the Security Council to establish an immediate ceasefire across the country in order to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to besieged areas. However, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, on Thursday said it was “not realistic” to implement a nationwide ceasefire. “We would like to see a ceasefire, the end of war in Syria, but the terrorists, I’m not sure they are in agreement,” said Nebenzia. Since then, the conflict has transformed into a multi-front war involving neighboring countries, non-state actors and global powers, including Russia and the US.

Source: Egypt Independent February 11, 2018 13:52 UTC