United Nations, Mar 1 (IANS): The UN Security Council on Thursday failed to adopt two competing draft resolutions on Venezuela, sponsored by the US and Russia respectively.

The US draft received nine votes in favour, three against, and three abstentions in the 15-member council. Russia and China vetoed the resolution, Xinhua news agency reported.

Minutes later, the Security Council voted on the Russian draft, which received four votes in favour, seven against and four abstentions.

Thursday's Security Council meeting is the third on the situation in Venezuela in just over a month due to the escalation of political tension facing the Latin American country.

Venezuela has been plunged into a political crisis since January 23 when National Assembly President Juan Guaido declared himself interim president and was recognized by the US and some other countries.

A US-backed drive to deliver "humanitarian aid" to Venezuela through border crossings on February 23 met strong resistance from the Venezuelan government as President Nicolas Maduro believed the aid, mainly from the US, is a smokescreen for a military invasion.

The Venezuelan government has closed borders with Brazil and Colombia and some air and sea routes.