We remain open to diplomacy, forced to note negative role of US: Russia at UNSC meet on Ukraine crisis

Ukraine-Russia crisis news: The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meet on the Ukraine-Russia crisis on Tuesday. Speaking at the meeting, Russia said it is open to diplomacy but won't allow a "bloodbath in Donbas".

Early on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of two separatist regions of Ukraine -- Donetsk and Lugansk. Amid heightened Ukraine-Russia tensions, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

Speaking at the meeting, Russia's representative said the country remains open to diplomacy but will not allow a "bloodbath in Donbas". Donbas refers to the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in Ukraine. In his address on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had alleged that Ukraine plans to unleash a war against Russians in Donbas and is acting on orders from the West.

At rhe UNSC meet, Russia said, "We remain open to diplomacy for diplomatic solution. However, allowing bloodbath in Donbas is something we don’t intend to do."

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Further, the Russian representative pointed out the alleged "negative role" played by "western colleagues led by the US". He stated, "We are forced to note the negative role played by our western colleagues led by the US."

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian envoy began his address at the meeting by calling Russia's action a "virus" that hit the world. "The international borders of Ukraine are and will remain unchangeable," the representative added.

Speaking at the meeting, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti called for restraint from all sides and stated that the issue could only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. He said the escalation of tension along the Ukraine-Russia border was a matter of 'deep concern'.