http://on.rt.com/cazf9lRussia is “very concerned about increasing tension in the region,” although it is still “in verbal form,” Lavrov told RT. Moscow is now trying to shed the light on the motives behind the North Korean proposal.

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday called for all sides to refrain from “war hysteria,” and stressed there’s “no alternative other than political and diplomatic solution” for the Korean crisis.

Diplomats are set to meet Saturday in Pyongyang to discuss North Korea’s proposal and possibly work out a joint plan. So far none of the foreign missions, including the UN staffers, are reported to be preparing to evacuate.