The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russia was ready to mediate between North Korea and the United States in an effort to reduce tensions after recent Pyongyang missile tests and months of an escalating war of words between the countries' leaders.

"Russia is ready if both sides need it and want it," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, as quoted by Russian news agency TASS. "It is impossible to become a mediator between two parties only if one side seeks so, the will of two sides is needed here."

Peskov added that Russia's willingness to help de-escalate the situation was "obvious." Moscow has long urged for the two parties to start a negotiation process about North Korea's decision to continue its nuclear program and carry out missile tests despite UN Security Council resolutions.

US diplomats have said they are pursuing a diplomatic solution with North Korea, but US President Donald Trump has made any talks contingent upon Pyongyang giving up its nuclear weapons.

Courtesy:DW