As a result of the phone call between the Russian and the US leader, Donald Trump told reporters that the US could rely on the Russian's support in terms of the North Korean issue and considers it to be of major importance. China is currently helping the US to address the North Korean crisis, not Russia, according to Trump.
He thanked Putin. https://t.co/xYvEF1Sxab
— Eric Garland (@ericgarland) 15 декабря 2017 г.
The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his annual press conference, touched upon the North Korean nuclear problem. He reiterated that Moscow does not recognize the country's nuclear status, but "everything that is happening there is counterproductive."
READ MORE: Lavrov Opposes Attempts to Resolve the North Korean Crisis Using Military Force
Since the beginning of the year, North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests. On November 28, Pyongyang tested its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) yet, known as the Hwasong-15, capable of reaching any target within the mainland United States. In December, in response to the DPRK’s missile tests, South Korea and the United States launched large-scale military exercises. 12,000 servicemen and 230 aircraft were involved in maneuvers, including fifth-generation F-35 and F-22 fighters. The UN has imposed sanctions against the DPRK several times already, with Pyongyang showing no signs of curbing their nuclear weapons program.
READ MORE: US Ready to Talk With North Korea 'Without Preconditions' — Secretary of State
