(VOVworld) - The UN Security Council failed Friday to back a Russian appeal for an immediate ceasefire or humanitarian pauses in war-torn Yemen, where critical fuel shortages threatened relief efforts and doctors described desperate scenes.Russia requested an urgent meeting of the 15-member council as the Saudi-led air war on Yemen's Huthi rebels entered a sixth week, crippling deliveries of fuel, food and medicine. During a closed-door council meeting, Russia proposed a draft statement calling for an immediate ceasefire or at least humanitarian pauses, and an urgent return to political negotiations.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

Russian ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said after the statement failed to win endorsement, fellow envoys were showing "amazing indecision" in the face of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The ambassador said the UN Security Council member countries are continuing to consult with their governments on the draft statement but expressed his doubt about the possibility of consensus on this issue.