(Flickr Creative Commons/jesulvis)

The plan for Syria to relinquish its chemical weapons was initiated by Moscow, but has since been expanded upon by the U.S. and French, both issuing demands for U.N. resolutions that will enforce "very severe consequences" if Syria does not comply.

Moscow rejected these demands, objecting to the potential use of military power the resolution is proposing and blaming the Syrian government for the chemical attack on Damascus, according to a French official close to the president.

"We think that the proposal came together quickly, in haste," said Orlov, the Russian ambassador to France Inter radio. "It's sure there are chemical weapons on both sides. The important thing is to forbid them, put them under international control. Then we will see who uses them."

Alexei Pushkov, a prominent Russian lawmaker, has said that in the event Washington launches a strike on Syria, Russia may increase weapons sales to Iran and reconsider its current agreement with the American military over allowing passage through Russian territory to get to Afghanistan. 

Despite this controversial statement, Pushkov advocated peaceful resolution of the conflict in an exclusive interview with BBC.

Though the call for diplomacy comes as relief to a large international community wary about joining the U.S. in its crusade on Syria, diplomatic efforts seem to be having the opposite effect - tensions are growing on both sides of the issue.

Reach Executive Producer Benjamin Li here: