North Korea has advised the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to evacuate its employees in light of aggravated tensions on the Korean peninsula, a spokesperson from the embassy told RIA-Novosti on Friday.
The news follows earlier reports from South Korean media that North Korea loaded two medium-range missiles into a mobile launcher amid increasingly threatening rhetoric.
According to the embassy spokesperson, however, the embassy is working in its normal regime.
"Everything is calm, we haven't observed any tension," he said in comments carried by RIA-Novosti.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the ministry was currently trying to clarify the situation by talking with North Korean diplomats.
"The suggestion [to evacuate] was given to all embassies in Pyongyang, and we are now trying to clarify the situation and ask our North Korean neighbors all the necessary questions," he said, RIA-Novosti reported.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
