(VOVworld)- The Russian foreign ministry on Monday condemned as "totally unacceptable" North Korea's threats to launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes against South Korea and the United States, and appealed to all sides to show restraint.

Undated photo released on March 4, 2016 shows a test-fire of a new large-caliber rocket at an undisclosed location in North Korea (AFP Photo/)

The Ministry said in a statement that the development of the situation on the Korean peninsula and around it is causing growing concern.  On Monday, 15,000 American troops and 300,000 South Korean servicemen commenced the annual drill, the largest ever exercise. Russia has repeatedly publicly declared its opposition to such manifestations of military and political pressure on Pyongyang,Moscow stressed. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned North Korea for its reaction to the drills, which can’t be considered in compliance with international law.