Russia has used its veto power in the UN Security Council to block the extension of a mission of a UN panel of experts that has been investigating possible violations of international nuclear sanctions by North Korea for around 15 years. China abstained from voting on the resolution in New York on Thursday, while the other 13 Security Council member states voted in favour. However, if a permanent member of the Council, such as Russia, votes against a resolution, it cannot be passed. The veto means the end of the panel of experts, at least for the time being, when its mandate expires in April. …