What does abstain mean?

CHINA has abstained from voting on a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia for invading Ukraine.

The move is seen as a diplomatic win for the west.

This comes as Ukraine resists the despotic terror of Vladimir Putin.

Here’s what you need to know...

What does abstain mean?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines abstain as "choosing not to use a vote, either in favour of or against something".

This means that no vote has been cast for or against a motion.

And China, in this case, has stayed neutral.

What was the UN security council vote?

The council is the top body in the United Nations for maintaining peace and security around the world.

It can authorise sanctions and military force on behalf of the UN.

The vote was set to denounce Russia for invading Ukraine.

All 193 members of the UN must comply with the council's decisions.

The Security Council itself has fifteen members — five of which are permanent and more powerful.

The permanent members include Russia, the UK, the US, China and France.

This group of five have the power to veto motions put forward to the council.

The council has one chair, a role which rotates among its members each month.

This month, the chair of the security council is Russia.

Yesterday, a vote was tabled at the Security Council to officially condemn Russian “aggression” against Ukraine.

The US led the charge and demanded that Moscow withdraw its forces and stop attacking Ukraine.

The measure got 11 votes in favour — but was vetoed by Russia so did not pass.