Moscow Warns Against Unilateral Response to N Korea Rocket Launch

The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated on Monday that the recent launch of a long-range rocket by North Korea violated the UNSC resolutions but warned against any unilateral steps in response to Pyongyang's actions.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov discussed the launch in a phone call on Monday with the United States Special Representative for North Korea Policy Sung Kim shortly after US President Barack Obama announced that Washington was consulting with Seoul on possibility to expand missile defenses in the Pacific region to counter Pyongyang's move.

"The Russian side pointed out at the need to refrain from any unilateral steps that could lead to further development of tensions in the region," the ministry said in a statement.

On Sunday, North Korea fired a long-range rocket to allegedly place a satellite into orbit, defying UN Security Council resolutions which ban Pyongyang from launching rockets that may be used as ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.