Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya (Photo: Sputnik/ VNA)

Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said Saturday that a political strategy is needed to solve the North Korean nuclear program as sanctions alone are not enough. US President Donald Trump highly appreciated Russia and China’s support for a resolution compiled by the US to increase sanctions on North Korea. He said the US administration will continue to work with its allies and partners to put more economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday hailed the new sanctions. He said the resolution banning North Korea’s exports of coal, iron, and other sources of income clearly shows the international community’s intention to raise pressure on North Korea to a higher level. The same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the sanctions are necessary but definitely not the ultimate goal. He said North Korean issues can be resolved through dialogues.

North Korea's state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried an article Sunday warning that the United States' only option will be self-destruction unless it gives up its "hostile policy" against Pyongyang. The statement was made after the UN Security Council on Saturday approved a resolution imposing more sanctions on North Korea for its two intercontinental ballistic missile tests last month.