MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. A fresh escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula has resulted from the provocative course being pursued by the US and its allies, which endangers the security of the entire region, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing.

"The [fresh] escalation of tensions (on the Korean Peninsula - TASS) continues to gain momentum. The Russian side has repeatedly warned about the danger of Washington and its allies ramping up joint military activities in the region. We are now seeing the results of such a course; it is provoking further confrontation," the diplomat pointed out.

According to Zakharova, the West's sanctions and force-heavy methods not only do not help to unblock the negotiation process, but also endanger the security of the Korean Peninsula and the countries of Northeast Asia overall.

"Only mutually respectful dialogue, especially a US dialogue with North Korea, and constructive interaction among all parties involved in the political and diplomatic settlement can serve as the basis for a comprehensive solution to the existing problems," the spokeswoman emphasized.

North Korea conducted a coastal artillery drill on January 5, firing 192 shells at proxy targets in waters near the South Korean islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, but north of the Northern Limit Line, which Seoul considers the de facto maritime boundary. In response, South Korean forces conducted similar maneuvers, but fired about 400 shells. Seoul said that the North Korean shells landed in the buffer zone.