Russia: US veto on Jerusalem 'regrettable'

"It is regrettable that the US, being a permanent member of the UN Security Council and claiming itself as a key mediator in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, demonstrates approaches that are contrary to the international community's will.

"This dilutes the international legal basis of the Middle Eastern settlement," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement comes a day after the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that rejects the establishment of diplomatic facilities in the contested city of Al-Quds.

Almost two weeks ago, Washington moved to recognize the holy city as Israeli regime's capital and begin the process to move its embassy there from Tel Aviv -- the city where all other nations house their main diplomatic facilities.

Fourteen council members voted in favor of the Egyptian-sponsored resolution that would have demanded President Donald Trump reverse course on the decision. The US was the sole dissenting vote.