US accuses Russia of blocking efforts to halt Eastern Ghouta bloodshed

Deputy US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelley Currie told the UN Security Council on Thursday that the United States was ready to vote on a resolution for a ceasefire in the besieged region "right here and right now."

A draft resolution put forward by Sweden and Kuwait on Wednesday called for a 30-day halt in the fighting to allow for critical aid deliveries and medical evacuations.

But the UN appeared deadlocked over calling for the temporary ceasefire, and it was unclear whether the resolution would be put to a vote.

"If adopted, this resolution would entail decisive and meaningful action that would make a difference on the ground for the civilian population in Syria. UN convoys and evacuation teams are ready to go," Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog said, adding that he hoped the council could vote on the resolution on Thursday or Friday.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia argued against the proposal, questioning if all involved would comply with its terms.

Intensified shelling by Russian-backed Syrian regime forces has left more than 300 people dead and 1,745 injured in Eastern Ghouta since Sunday evening, according to the UK-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

In response to the regime bombardment, rebel groups have fired into the Syrian capital this week, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens, state media has reported.

Syria says it is targeting terrorist groups in Eastern Ghouta. But the United Nations and others accuse it of denying civilians their basic rights.

President Bashar al-Assad's main ally Russia has said it would not support a truce that extended to terrorist groups including ISIS and Fateh al-Sham, which was previously known as Jabhat al Nusra before renouncing its ties to al Qaeda.

As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, Russia has the power to veto any draft resolution.

"Sweden and Kuwait have consulted everyone on this text. They have done their part. There is no reason to delay. Literally the minute this meeting ends, this council can take the clearest possible step to help: Vote for a ceasefire, and vote for humanitarian access. What the people of Eastern Ghouta need is not complicated," Currie told the council.

"The Russian permanent representative also asked that we 'come up with ways of getting out of this situation.' Yet it appears to be intent on blocking any meaningful effort to do so." she added.