The untenable Russian position.
 AFP: Russia warns of 'scandal' if UN vote on Syria text
"We are not friends or allies of President Assad, we try to stick to our responsibilities as permanent members of the Security Council and the Security Council by definition does not engage in the domestic affairs of its member states,

Analysts have said that Russia is defying the West despite the escalating violence in Syria that has already left thousands dead as it fears Assad's departure would cost Moscow its last remaining ally in the region."