Russia wields a veto at the UN Security Council and the remarks are a blow to hopes of a fresh initiative there.
International outrage has been expressed at the massacre of 108 people - mostly women and children - in Houla.
Neighbouring Turkey is expelling all Syrian diplomatic staff in Ankara.
The move goes further than the co-ordinated action by a number of other countries, which restricted their expulsions to the most senior staff, although Syrian consular staff in Istanbul will remain.
Turkey's foreign ministry said it was "out of the question to remain silent".
In apparent retaliation for the diplomatic expulsions, Syria gave the Dutch charge d'affaires - one of the few remaining top-level Western diplomatic representatives in Damascus - 72 hours to leave.
The violence in Syria is continuing, with the head of the UN observer mission there saying 13 bodies have been discovered in al-Sukar, east of the city of Deir al-Zour, with their hands tied behind their backs and signs that some had been shot in the head from close range.
Norwegian Maj Gen Robert Mood said he was "deeply disturbed by this appalling and inexcusable act".
China and Russia have previously blocked two UN Security Council resolutions calling for tougher action on Damascus.
On Tuesday, French President Francois Hollande said military intervention authorised by the Security Council had not yet been ruled out.
China and Russia have previously blocked two UN Security Council resolutions calling for tougher action on Damascus.
On Tuesday, French President Francois Hollande said military intervention authorised by the Security Council had not yet been ruled out.
Source: BBC News
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