Russia's Vladimir Putin warned that the North Korean crisis could cause a "planetary catastrophe". He said war on the Korean Peninsular would cause a huge loss of life. He told reporters in China that "peaceful dialogue" was the only way to end the crisis. He warned the USA and North Korea that talking about military action was very dangerous and "senseless". Mr Putin said North Korea would never stop its nuclear programme. He said: "They will eat grass instead of stopping their nuclear programme, as long as they do not feel safe."

Tensions in Korea are at dangerous levels. On Sunday, North Korea carried out its biggest ever nuclear test. The United Nations met to tell North Korea to stop its testing. Many countries want stronger sanctions against North Korea. Mr Putin said sanctions have never worked and would never work. He said they would be useless. The US ambassador to the UN said North Korea was "begging for war" because of its actions. She said: "War is never something the US wants. We don't want it now. But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory."