Moscow: Deploying NATO Forces in Central Asia is Unacceptable
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The Russian Foreign Ministry denounces the deployment of NATO and US military forces in Central Asia and affirms its readiness to continue dialogue with Washington.
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The Russian Foreign Ministry warns of AUKUS alliance dangers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Moscow told US Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, that the deployment of US and NATO military infrastructure in Central Asia is "totally unacceptable" for Russia.
Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told Nuland that the AUKUS alliance threatens to undermine the security structures in the Asia-Pacific and the Pacific, posing risks to the non-proliferation regime.
Last Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that after its withdrawal from Afghanistan, NATO is seeking to redeploy its forces in Asia, in addition to sending refugees to the region. Lavrov added that these steps represent NATO's "attempts to 'heat up' the situation and undermine the existing mechanisms of interstate interaction. Narrow-format structures of exclusive composition and military blocs sticking to Cold War logic and containment policy are making their contribution."
Zakharova confirmed that consultations with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov led to the conclusion that Moscow and Washington share the desire to continue negotiations that ensure stable bilateral relations.
During the past three days, the US Under Secretary of State visited Moscow and held meetings with Ryabkov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Dmitry Kozak, and Presidential Assistant Yuri Ushakov.
This visit comes after the meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on June 16, when it was agreed to address some contentious issues.
