Of course Russia opposes sanctions. They continue to act, with both Iran and North Korea, as if they are in a Cold War with the United States.
I think the Russians and Chinese want Iran and North Korea to go nuclear, because those countries or terrorist groups they support would not dare attack Russia or China, because the Russians and Chinese do not fear bad press and bad public opinion. Anyone remember Tianemen Square? The Russian destruction of Grozny with no regard for civilians during the war against Chechen Islamic separatists?
They would retaliate in a heartbeat with no concern for innocent civilians.
They know the US is more vulnerable, and would not retaliate unless the source of an attack was known for certain, and even then would likely try to minimize civilian casualties.
The Russians, in particular, I think, are bad actors. Putin may have grown up a atheistic communist, but while his economic views have changed somewhat, in that he is willing to tolerate a crony capitalism where his friends and allies can profit, he is still a nationalist, and still has the hatred of the West he had trained into him all his life, including during his days as a KGB spymaster.
I think it explains why the Russians oppose a US defensive missile system that could protect allies like Poland and the Czech republic from Iranian nuclear missile strikes, because it would also protect them from Russian blackmail. It also explains the Russians supplying uranium to the Iranians, and selling them advanced anti-air defense systems.
