The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting on Sunday on the increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, amid serious concerns expressed by Russia on the situation in the region.

The decision to hold the meeting later in the day came after Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, noted that the Korean situation directly affects the national security interests of the Russian Federation.

At a short-notice press conference on Saturday, he expressed serious concerns about the possible further escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Churkin alleged that his country’s request to organise an emergency meeting earlier was turned down by the US, which holds the UNSC presidency for the month of December.

“We believe that the Security Council must send a restraining signal to the Republic of Korea and DPRK and help launch diplomatic activity with a view to resolving all issues of dispute between the two Korean sides by political and diplomatic means,” he said.

The Ambassador said the meeting has now been convened at 11 am local New York time (2130 hrs IST).

“We assume that nothing will happen in the interim that would bring about a further aggravation on the Korean peninsula,” said the Russian envoy.

The United States rejected Russia’s charge that it declined to hold the meeting earlier, saying that the request was received on Saturday and after consulting with the 15-member Council, the Sunday morning time was set.

“This meets other Security Council members’ requests to have time to consult with their capitals and meets the Russian request for a timely meeting,” US mission spokesman Mark Kornblau said.