The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is reportedly discussing easing sanctions against North Korea in consideration of the difficult humanitarian situation in the country.

Russia's Interfax news agency on Saturday quoted a source as saying that the mood for some symbolic steps has been created within the UNSC at the moment.

The source reportedly said that the issue of lifting sanctions was recently raised again at the UNSC meeting and the proposal is still on the negotiating table. However, the United States is said to have immediately blocked it.

North Korea is reportedly having severe economic difficulties due to international sanctions and its voluntary border closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russia and China have called for the easing of some sanctions against the North as a way to lead the country to denuclearize itself.