The UN Security Council will hold an urgent session on Sunday in order to discuss growing tensions on the Korean peninsula, the Council’s diplomats announced.

The session, which will be held behind closed doors, is requested by Russia, and it was originally scheduled for December 18, the western agencies reported.

Russia's Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said that the Russian government expects the Security Council to send a restraining signal to the Republic of Korea and to help establish diplomatic activity which would resolve all misunderstandings between South and North Korea.

Russian Foreign Ministry requests from South Korea to postpone announced military maneuvers and to avoid an escalation of tension.

China, as North Korea’s key ally, said that it firmly opposes all actions which would worsen already difficult situation on the Korean peninsula, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jang Yu stated on Saturday.

South Korea on Saturday finished preparations for the begining of artillery manoevres at the small island of Yeonpyeong, which was last month attacked by North Korea.