UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years over US-Russia dispute

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara concluded operations on Sunday after 35 years, following a US-Russia standoff at UN headquarters. Russia vetoed a US resolution supporting Morocco's sovereignty claim, while a Russian resolution to extend the mandate was voted down, leading to the mission's abrupt end. The territory, rich in minerals and fisheries and roughly the size of Colorado, has been disputed between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front since Morocco's annexation in 1975.