Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Lavrov criticized the United States for its longstanding practice of sharing nuclear weapons with NATO partners through "joint nuclear missions," where non-nuclear states train their soldiers to use nuclear weapons. This practice, Lavrov noted, is now shifting to Asia.
"If this sad and rather risky experience (the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons in other countries) is brought to Southeast Asia, I think no one will benefit from it; the risks will increase," Lavrov warned, according to Russian media reports.
Lavrov accused the United States of "impudently" pushing its military infrastructure, including strategic weapons, into Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, thereby militarizing the area. He specifically pointed to the AUKUS project, which involves the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia building nuclear-powered submarines.
AUKUS aims to foster "tolerance in the Asian region concerning the deployment of nuclear weapons components," Lavrov said, emphasizing that the project "must be put under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency" to ensure "full transparency."
Lavrov also highlighted a recent agreement between the United States and South Korea on joint nuclear planning as yet another example of U.S. strategic influence extending into the region.
The Russian Foreign Minister's remarks underscore the growing tensions and potential security implications of increased U.S. military presence and nuclear capabilities in Southeast Asia. (ILKHA)