Russia on Tuesday denounced North Korea's latest nuclear test. Reuters cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying, "Increasing military tensions in the region is extremely dangerous." 

Speaking in South Africa, Lavrov added, "North Korea should abandon it nuclear arms program."

The Russian Foreign Ministry on its official website voiced regret that North Korea, its longtime ally, went ahead with the nuclear test.

Last month, Moscow backed UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea over its rocket launch in December last year.

It seems that Russia, once a major sponsor of the reclusive regime along with China, is turning its back on the North.