Russia seeks UN resolution; war not mentioned

Russia has circulated a proposed UN Security Council resolution demanding protection for civilians "in vulnerable situations" in Ukraine and safe passage for humanitarian aid and people seeking to leave the country - but it makes no mention of Russia's responsibility for the war against its smaller neighbour. The draft resolution released Tuesday expresses "grave concern" at the deteriorating humanitarian situation and reports of civilian casualties in and around Ukraine.

It endorses UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for dialogue and negotiations and calls for a negotiated cease-fire to rapidly evacuate "all civilians," and underscores "the need for the parties concerned to agree on humanitarian pauses to this end."

The draft, which never identifies "the parties concerned," could be put to a vote as early as Wednesday, according to a Russian diplomat.