Double-faced Russia: N. Korea’s nuclear ambitions a “direct threat” against Russia

Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin called North Korea’s nuclear ambitions a “direct threat” against his respective country.

“It is not only (a) ballistic missile defense system — it has real function. That is why it is alarming. And it is direct threat to Russia. We are convinced that it will increase the tensions of the region. That is our principle position,” said Fomin.

Washington and its allies are seeking even tougher sanctions on the North so as to curb its nuclear and missile development.

The North, however, has repeatedly said that it is developing arms as deterrence against the US threat, and that it would not abandon its missile and nuclear programs unless Washington ended its hostility toward Pyongyang.

Unsettled by North Korean missile and nuclear programs, the US has adopted a war-like posture, sending a strike group and conducting joint military drills with North Korea’s regional adversaries Japan and South Korea.

American officials have indicated that military intervention in North Korea is an option on the table.