SEOUL/MOSCOW: Russia does not expect the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to respond to UN sanctions for its nuclear test with moves that would further ratchet up tension, Itar-Tass news agency quoted a diplomatic source as saying yesterday.

The draft UN Security Council resolution, written by the United States and endorsed by the four other permanent members plus Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), aims to hit the DPRK's meager overseas finances and could be voted on by as early as today.

"The resolution is being adopted in order to solve the problem, and not to whip up the situation," the Russian foreign ministry source told Itar-Tass. "We don't expect any actions to follow, including from North Korea (DPRK), that would lead to an escalation of tension."