Russia stops monitoring sanctions against North Korea

There are many UN sanctions against North Korea because of its nuclear program. In the UN Security Council, the USA wanted to extend the monitoring of the punitive measures. But Russia voted no, China abstained.

With its objection, Russia prevents the United Nations from continuing to monitor sanctions against North Korea. China supported this decision by abstaining. For years, both countries have used similar vetoes to prevent the Security Council from condemning North Korea.

The internationally isolated, communist-ruled country is subject to many sanctions. According to the West, its weapons and nuclear program threatens neighboring South Korea and the entire region. Pyongyang is apparently continuing to expand its nuclear and missile programs despite all bans.

Sanctions themselves remain in effect

Russia’s UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, however, accused Western countries of trying to strangle North Korea with punitive measures. The sanctions have not proven to be effective – with regard to Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

Regardless of the now blocked resolution, nothing changes in the sanctions themselves. They remain in force.