Moscow on Friday said it will not veto a UN resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea, despite Kremlin ire over fresh US punitive measures that hit Russian firms.

The United States has presented a draft UN Security Council resolution Thursday that would hit North Korea over with new sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, diplomats said.

The text — drafted in agreement with China, traditionally Pyongyang’s sole diplomatic and military ally — was expected to be submitted to a Council vote on Friday.

Deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov said Moscow is “not gearing up to veto it” after Russia’s concerns were taken on board.

“The vote is set for today and we expect it to pass,” Gatilov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Russia’s decision comes despite anger in the Kremlin after the US Treasury included Russian firms and a company director in fresh sanctions over North Korea.

Source: AFP