Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya claimed to have "undeniable proof" of provocations being prepared to discredit the Syrian government while speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York City on Tuesday.

He added that “the use of chemical weapons by Damascus has no military grounds and is harmful from the military and political point of view as it would be an invitation for the Western trio to attack Syria.”

Nebenzya also stressed that “coexisting with terrorists is simply impossible” and that the civilians of Idlib cannot be held hostage and used as a human shields for an indefinite time.

American Ambassador Nikki Haley argued that "The United States is long past taking Russia and Iran at their word that they are interested in protecting civilians in Idlib from further violence,” adding that “it's time for Russia to stop wasting our time when it comes to peace in Syria.”