The UN Security Council has failed to adopt a resolution calling for weeklong ceasefire in Syria after vetoes from Russia and China. The halt to hostilities was meant to allow humanitarian aid.

The draft resolution urges Syria's warring parties to temporarily stop fighting in the northern city of Aleppo. It was sponsored by non-permanent council members including Spain and Egypt.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, are fighting to capture territory in Aleppo held by anti- government forces that are backed by the United States.

The fighting has prevented UN aid workers from providing food and medicine to the city's trapped residents.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said there had not been enough time to review the draft, while Chinese UN Ambassador Liu Jieyi said humanitarian issues should not be politicized.

US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Michele Sison countered that the resolution is not political, saying that it was meant to stop the bombing and get people help.

The vote was the 6th time Russia had vetoed a Security Council resolution on the conflict. Last month, Moscow also vetoed a French-sponsored draft resolution calling for an immediate halt to air strikes.