Russia vetoes US-drafted Security Council resolution on probe of chemical

"Why do you need the mechanism, what do you need it for, when you have already appointed the guilty party prior to the investigation?" he asked.

Nebenzia accused the United States of pushing for a vote as a pretext for possible use of force against Syria.

"If you took the decision to carry out an illegal military adventure -- we do hope you will come to your senses, then you will have to bear responsibility for it yourselves," he warned.

Last year, the United States launched missile strikes from two Navy destroyers against a Syrian airbase after the Syrian government was said to be responsible for chemical weapons use.

"The United States is again trying to mislead the international community and is taking yet one more step toward confrontation," said Nebenzia. "It is clear that the provocation step has nothing to do with a desire to investigate what happened in Douma, Syria."

"The propaganda fire will be once again aimed at Russia (because of its veto)... We are using the veto in order to protect the international rule of law, peace and security and to make sure that you do not drag the Security Council into your adventures," said Nebenzia.

Tuesday's veto by Russia was its 12th over Security Council action against Syria since the Syrian civil war started seven years ago.