Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday that ramping up the “military hysteria” around North Korea’s escalating nuclear and missile tests could lead to a “global catastrophe.”
Reuters quoted Putin speaking after a summit for developing economies in Xiamen, China.
He also questioned the effectiveness of tightening sanctions, as the U.S. has suggested, saying that they will not change the behavior of North Korea’s leadership.
Dialogue is needed, he added, according to Reuters.
Putin’s comments came two days after Kim Jong Un’s government detonated its sixth and largest nuclear test.
On Monday, South Korea responded by firing missiles into the sea to simulate an attack on the North’s main nuclear test site with more military drills being held on Tuesday.
The U.S. also urged the United Nations to step up pressure on Kim and accused him of “begging for war.”