The United States called on North Korea on Monday to defund its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and prioritise the needs of its own people, as Russia and China blamed sanctions for worsening the humanitarian situation in the hermit Asian state.

Russia put sanctions under the spotlight at the UN Security Council as part of its presidency of the 15-member body during February. However, Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia could not chair the meeting because he tested positive for Covid-19, diplomats said.