Russia has formally declared that it will not allow any further sanctions against North Korea to pass in the UN Security Council. This announcement was made by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a speech at the State Duma on the 11th, where he emphasized that his country will block any resolutions aimed at imposing sanctions on North Korea. This stance marks a continuation of Russia's position, which has not approved new sanctions against North Korea since the outbreak of the Ukraine war.

Lavrov stated that while opposing any new sanctions, it is also unrealistic to expect that Russia will propose resolutions aimed at lifting existing sanctions against North Korea. He indicated that given the current geopolitical tensions and military cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan, discussing North Korea's denuclearization is inappropriate. He highlighted the disrespect it shows to North Korea to demand denuclearization under such circumstances.

Additionally, Lavrov expressed gratitude for North Korea's deployment of personnel to assist Russia in the Ukraine war, framing the relationship as one built on historical camaraderie, particularly referencing their cooperation during the liberation of the Kursk region. He noted that this bond is a valuable diplomatic and moral asset that could translate into mutually beneficial cooperation projects between the two nations.