UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years following US-Russia standoff

What happened: The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ceased operations after 35 years following a U.S.-Russia standoff at U.N. headquarters over the territory's future. Key numbers: Mission ran 35 years, established 1991. Russia vetoed a U.S. Why it matters: The end of the mission raises concerns about regional stability. Morocco's royal palace welcomed the non-renewal; the Polisario Front called it unacceptable, and Algeria said it profoundly regrets it. The U.N. secretary-general remains concerned about security and the risk of escalation.

The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ceased operations after 35 years following a U.S.-Russia standoff at U.N. headquarters over the territory's future.

The end of the mission raises concerns about regional stability. Morocco's royal palace welcomed the non-renewal; the Polisario Front called it unacceptable, and Algeria said it profoundly regrets it. The U.N. secretary-general remains concerned about security and the risk of escalation.