The U.N. Panel of Experts overseeing DPRK sanctions has become an “obedient tool” in the hands of North Korea’s foes, according to Russia’s foreign ministry, explaining why it vetoed a resolution to maintain the Panel last week.

The U.N. Security Council voted on whether to extend the Panel’s mandate last Thursday, with Russia using its veto power to block the group’s work following disagreements among the five permanent members of the council.

NK News previously reported that Russia had called for introducing sunset clauses to DPRK sanctions and reducing the frequency of Panel reports from twice a year to once.