"We realize that what we see recently in the world, namely, gross violation of international law and the invasion of the territory of foreign states, change of regimes, prompts such an arms race," Putin told journalists.
The Russian president said that Russia was categorically against the expansion of the nuclear club, including via North Korea.
"I would like to confirm that we are categorically against the expansion of the club of nuclear states, including through the Korean peninsula, through North Korea. our position is well known to our partners and the world, to North Korea in particular. We are against it and consider it counterproductive, damaging, dangerous," Putin told a press conference in China.
"Regarding this launch, immediately after the launch, the Russian defense minister reported to me about what was happening," Putin said at a press conference following his visit to China.
North Korea's missile launch did not pose a threat to Russia, although it has provocative influence, there is nothing good in this, Putin said.
"This launch did not pose a threat to us directly, but this, of course, provokes the development of the conflict, and there is nothing good about that," Putin said.
However, Russia considers missile and nuclear tests unacceptable, it is necessary to return to dialogue, and intimidation of North Korea must stop, Putin said.
"In any case, we consider nuclear and missile tests unacceptable. We need to return to dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, stop intimidating it and find ways to solve these problems peacefully. Is it possible or not? I think it is possible," Putin said.
The Russian president said there was such a positive experience of dialogue with the DPRK when North Korea announced the termination of its program, "but unfortunately, all the negotiators did not have enough patience."
"But, I think, we need to return to this," Putin said.
On Monday morning, North Korea officially confirmed that it had conducted the launch of a medium-range ballistic missile on Sunday, and it was successful. The missile fell in the Sea of Japan outside of Japan's special economic zone. The height of 2,000 kilometers was reached for the first time.
