Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says Russia is ready to discuss with South Korea sending the sinking of the “Cheonan” naval vessel to the U.N. Security Council.

The Russian president made the remark during a 20-minute phone conversation with President Lee Myung-bak on Tuesday afternoon.

Medvedev said that Russia understands South Korea’s actions in response to an investigation that found North Korea responsible for the Cheonan incident, adding that Moscow is ready to closely discuss the matter with Seoul.

In response, Lee said that North Korea should first apologize for the Cheonan incident, punish those responsible and promise not to pursue any further provocations.

Russia’s positive stance on South Korea’s plan to take the Cheonan issue to the U.N. may promote a change in the attitude of China, which has been defending its long-time ally North Korea.