United Nations Security Council members have expressed concern over the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea.



A meeting was held on Wednesday to discuss the North's nuclear and missile programs.



The UN panel of experts tasked with monitoring sanctions against North Korea ceased operations on April 30 last year. The panel's mandate was not renewed as Russia vetoed a resolution to extend it.



South Korea's UN Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook said North Korea has "brazenly accelerated" its nuclear and missile programs in the absence of the panel.



Japan's Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki condemned the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea against Ukraine, saying it constitutes a clear violation of international law.



He said the advancement of the North's nuclear and missile activities is an imminent threat to the entire globe.



North Korea's UN Ambassador Kim Song said nations should "get accustomed to the new reality" of his country's cooperative relations with Russia.



Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow and Pyongyang are developing their relationship in all areas.



The acting US representative to the UN, Ambassador Dorothy Shea, noted that North Korea is using funds from its exports of coal and iron ore to China to develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.



In response, Chinese UN ambassador Fu Cong said he hoped the US representative will "get their facts straight" before speaking.