Russian Concerns Over U.S. Nuclear Guidelines in Korean Peninsula

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed concern over new U.S. guidelines on nuclear operations in the Korean peninsula, citing additional security risks. Speaking at the ASEAN meeting in Laos, Lavrov criticized the U.S.-South Korea nuclear planning agreement, questioning its implications for regional stability.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Saturday that a recently announced guideline on the operation of U.S. nuclear assets on the Korean peninsula will undoubtedly heighten security concerns in the region, as reported by South Korean and Russian news agencies.

In a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos, Lavrov mentioned that he had not been fully briefed on the details of the plan but asserted that it remains a matter of concern for Russia, according to Yonhap agency reports. 'Another element of concern is that the United States recently concluded an agreement with the Republic of Korea on joint nuclear planning,' Lavrov was quoted as saying by the Russian state-run RIA news agency.

'So far we can't even get an explanation of what this means, but there is no doubt that it causes additional anxiety.' The guideline aims to address nuclear threats from North Korea, according to statements from the U.S. and South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies.)