North Korea has been hit with a swathe of new sanctions aimed at cutting down the rogue country’s cash supplies funding its nuclear arsenal.
US President Donald Trump claimed Russia was not providing the necessary support to stop North Korea, accusing Moscow of helping Pyongyang evade sanctions.
General Jack Keane said the US should intervene to make Russia uphold the sanctions to avoid sparking a conflict between the United States and North Korea.
He said: “We gotta pull out all the stops now. The fact that Russia is backdooring North Korea and helping them should not be a surprise to anybody
“For that matter, if that is significant help no matter the pressure we put on Russia, it means that North Korea will likely escape any economic collapse and be able to sustain itself. Which brings us closer to a military option.”
The retired Four Star General added Mr Trump should ensure the rest of the international community abide by the economic sanctions – including Kim Jong-un’s allies in China.
Reports from South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo suggest Beijing continued to transfer fuel to North Korean ships despite having voted in favour of the economic crackdown on the rogue regime.
General Keane told Fox Business: “I think some things we should do is make certain that all the other countries have shut down their trading.
“Make certain that China is doing everything it possibly can and if they are not we should sanction China. Let’s take the gloves off.”
North Korea continues to fan fears of World War 3 in spite of recent diplomatic talks with South Korean officials ahead of the Winter Olympics scheduled to take place in Pyeongchang in February.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the North Korea threat continued to “grow”, warning the US would be ready to engage in military action should Pyongyang refuse to renounce its nuclear ambitions.
Mr Tillerson said: “With respect to whether Americans should be concerned about war with North Korea, I think we all need to be very sober and clear-eyed about the current situation. We have to recognise that the threat is growing.
“If North Korea does not choose the pathway of engagement – discussion and negotiation – then they themselves will trigger a military option.”