Russia’s deputy foreign minister on Tuesday said Moscow has not raised the issue of easing sanctions against North Korea at the UN Security Council (UNSC), though suggested restrictions could be lifted in tandem with a continued easing of tensions.

Speaking at a Moscow-based think tank, Igor Morgulov appeared to walk back on earlier foreign ministry comments calling for the modification of UN sanctions against the DPRK.

“The issue on sanctions against North Korea is not discussed at the moment at the UN Security Council,” Morgulov said in comments carried by Russia’s TASS news agency.

“But we believe that if the situation