Russia’s top envoy to the United Nations voiced strong opposition to sanctions against North Korea amid U.S. efforts to impel international action in response to the DPRK’s recent string of missile tests.

The remarks come after the U.S. and eight other countries harshly criticized the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) for remaining “silent” on North Korea’s recent missile tests and pushed for more action against Pyongyang. 

“Secondary sanctions of a major western country create a toxic atmosphere around Pyongyang and result in an unwillingness to cooperate with them even in those areas that do not fall under international restrictions,” Russia’s Ambassador