Russia and China on Monday used their veto power to obstruct a draft resolution in the United Nations Security Council, which sought a seven-day truce in war-torn Syria’s Aleppo, AP reported. Venezuela, too, voted against the move as a non-permanent member, while Angola abstained. The opposition triggered accusations from the United States representative, Deputy Ambassador Michele Sison, who blamed the countries for issuing a “death sentence” for innocent Syrians.

“They have vetoed the lives of innocent Syrians,” Sison said. This was the sixth time Russia thwarted a resolution on the six-year-long civil war in the West Asian country. It was China’s fifth veto on the matter.

The proposal – initiated by New Zealand, Egypt and Spain – sought to facilitate the safe passage of the sick and injured out of the region and allow for the entry of food and medical supplies into Aleppo. The resolution for “humanitarian truce” gained 11 votes in its favour.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin’s contention was that the resolution “violated the Security Council’s working procedures” as it had not been given the traditional 24 hours period for review. He argued that the proposal had also bypassed an agreement between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry to organise a group of experts on Aleppo.

The deadlock has compelled other member nations to initiate resolutions in the UN General Assembly. Syrian Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari said his government’s actions in Aleppo was a war on terrorism.

Fighting between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebel groups intensified after a ceasefire deal broke down in September, when an aid convoy was bombed in Aleppo. More than three lakh civilians have died in the war, and nearly half the country’s population has been forced to flee. While Washington has supported rebel groups, Moscow is seen as a an ally of the Syrian president.