Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko sharply criticized US and European plans for a NATO-like military structure in Asia.
Speaking to the Arctic.ru portal, Rudenko said such calls would not bring good results for the region. The diplomat stated, "Recently, calls from the US and Europe to create a North Atlantic Alliance-like entity in Asia have been growing louder. Some have even coined the name 'Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization.' This does not bode well for Asia; NATO's historical legacy in Yugoslavia, Iraq, and Libya is well known. Now they have put Ukraine under the knife."
Stressing that Russia supports a unifying agenda in interstate relations in the Asia-Pacific region, Rudenko said they believe the path to a successful future lies only through joint development.
The Russian diplomat noted that multilateral institutions such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have set high standards in this area.