(VOVworld) - Russia on Wednesday vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution establishing an international tribunal to investigate the downing of a Malaysian airliner last year.

Eleven of the Council's 15 members voted on draft UN resolution setting up tribunal for crashed Malaysian flight MH17 (Photo: EPA)

Eleven of the Council's 15 members voted in favor, one against, and three abstained. Liow Tiong Lai, Malaysia’s Transport Minister, a non-permanent member of the Security Council and sponsor of the draft, said he is deeply disappointed at the failure to adopt the resolution.

Russian permanent representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin called the draft resolution improper and pre-mature, and said Russia’s veto is not meant to hinder any investigation or search for justice.