Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concern on Saturday over a recently announced guideline regarding the operation of US nuclear assets on the Korean peninsula, which he believes will increase security concerns in the region, as reported by South Korean and Russian news agencies.
Speaking at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos, Lavrov mentioned that while he had not been briefed on the specifics of the plan, its implications are worrisome for Russia. According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Lavrov stated, “Another element of concern is that the United States recently concluded an agreement with the Republic of Korea on joint nuclear planning.”
“So far we can’t even get an explanation of what this means, but there is no doubt that it causes additional anxiety,” Lavrov added, as quoted by Russian state-run RIA news agency.
The guideline, as explained by the US and South Korea, is intended to address the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. However, Lavrov’s comments highlight Russia’s apprehensions about the potential impact of this agreement on regional security dynamics.
