Russia first to condemn North Korean test

Russia joined the world in condemning North Korea's underground nuclear test. The United Nations Security Council was considering sanctions as North Korea faced international wrath for claiming its first firing of a nuclear weapon.

The defence ministry was first to confirm the test took place, about 130 kilometres from Russia’s southern border and thought to have used a device equivalent to between five and 15 kilotonnes of TNT. Officials reported no evidence of atmospheric radiation as pictures were released by space imaging company Geo Eye. Some experts said they showed the area where the test took place. A South Korean news agency quoted a North Korean official as saying the country would end its nuclear programme if the United States took “corresponding measures.” Russia urged the international community to show restraint in its response.