MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Ryabkov explained that the sanctions, which should be reaching a certain result, in North Korea's case aren't leading to the change of Pyongyang's approach on its missile and nuclear programs.
According to the official, the UN Security Council lacks a key element in this regard, "namely, the political and conversational element, because sanctions cannot lead to the result by themselves."
"[Sanctions] cannot change reality all by themselves, as they failed to change reality in the situations with Iran's nuclear program," he said.
The situation on the Korean Peninsula has become aggravated in recent months due to Pyongyang's missile launches and nuclear tests, all conducted in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions.
In late June, Beijing proposed a "double freeze" scenario, in which North Korea ceases its nuclear missile tests, while US-South Korean military drills are simultaneously halted. The initiative has been backed by Moscow but rejected by Washington. Pyongyang, however, has not yet issued an official response on the matter.
On August 5, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2371, which further tightens sanctions imposed on North Korea.
