UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara Ends After 35 Years Following US-Russia Standoff

The United Nations' long-running peacekeeping mission for the disputed Western Sahara ceased operations on November 1st after 35 years, a result of a US-Russia standoff at the UN Security Council over the territory's future. Russia vetoed a draft US resolution to support Morocco's sovereignty and end the mission, while a rival Russian resolution to extend it was also voted down, leading to an abrupt end of the force's mandate. The UN Secretary-General expressed concern about the security situation and the risk of escalation.