FILE - In this July 27, 2013, file photo, North Korean soldiers turn and look towards their leader Kim Jong Un as they carry packs marked with the nuclear symbol as they parade during a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)
Russia on Tuesday again delayed a requested United Nations vote on new sanctions against North Korea in response to its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.
After the U.S. mission to the U.N. requested a vote for Tuesday afternoon, Russia demanded a procedural review of the resolution, pushing back the vote to Wednesday morning. Russia had already delayed the vote over the weekend, asking for more time to study the lengthy text and reportedly suggesting some changes.
The proposal, drafted by the U.S. and China, would require every U.N. member to inspect all cargo heading to and from North Korea for illicit goods.
Some western diplomats told Fox News the delay can be attributed to Kremlin muscle flexing, signaling to Washington and Beijing that they may agree on the resolution’s text, but ultimately both governments must fully include Moscow in considerations.
China and Russia, both permanent members of the Security Council, historically have been North Korea’s allies, often delaying and blocking action that would punish their Cold War partner.
The White House announced last week that Beijing was on board to let the U.S. resolution pass.
Negotiations over the resolution started after Pyongyang’s fourth nuclear test on January 6.
Fox News' Jonathan Wachtel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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