Russia, one of the veto members of the UN Security Council says it will block any move to put sanctions on Syria.

Russia has long been one of Syria's closest allies: the USSR was it's biggest trade and arms partner for decades. Now, after much speculation, Russia has come out and said it will formally veto any move to sanction Syria.

"Russia will be doing everything necessary to prevent attempts to impose sanctions against Syria," the Russian Foreign Minister said today - in Israel!