On Thursday in New York, the world’s largest powers had largely contrasting ideals concerning the political climate of Venezuela, as the Security Council of the United Nations discussed a few chiefly incompetent proposals concerning Venezuela.

The debate saw the United States, United Kingdom, and France contend against China and Russia. The United States has anticipated making a draft resolution for weeks, and they described the Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro as a cheat. In sum, the US reported that Maduro’s election was the result of malpractice and a lack of liberty. The US resolution, in addition, asked to reform the government for a changed, new type of presidential elections, as well as improved means of entry for humanitarian aid.

At the same time, Russian diplomats were patiently yearning to put forward a challenging draft resolution. This draft harshly criticized foreign intervention in the issues within Venezuela. The head of Venezuela’s opposition, Juan Guaido, has been challenging Nicolas Maduro for control of the country since the beginning of the year. Guaido has even self-declared himself as president. Russia has strongly supported Maduro, yet the United States and many European countries have recognized Guaido as the genuine leader of Venezuela.

This was a familiar scene within the UN, and many doubted the separate drafts would be successful. Yet, the opposing diplomats still went at it on the floor of the Security Council. The Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, harshly scolded the United States, saying that there were hidden intentions under the dialogue of humanitarian issues. Nebenzia blamed the United States for attempting to change the regime in Venezuela. As the votes were casted on the US draft, the Russian and Chinese ambassadors unsurprisingly both vetoed the motion.

The Russian draft was also voted on, and it failed, too. There were not enough votes to pass it, and the United States, United Kingdom, and France even vetoed the proposal. The whole show on the UN Council was highly discouraging, yet predictable. The UN was created to protect the peace and prosperity of the world, but has turned a place of opposing nations to put their interests above others that need it most.

As the arguments continue at the UN between rivals such as Russia and the United States, the people of Venezuela continue to face a major lack of food, medicine, and basic necessities of life. Guaido attempted to bring in foreign aid to Venezuela, but those attempts were literally destroyed or turned back as the aid tried to come into the country.