11:54, 09 марта 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Tatyana KUDRYAVTSEVA
The countries of Central Asia, formerly part of the Soviet Union, are concerned about the possibility of a decrease in the supply of Russian weapons due to the situation in Ukraine. The United States is in talks with them about the possibility of acquiring means for defense. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu said at the Foreign Relations Committee of the U.S. Senate, TASS reports.
«We have a wonderful partnership with the countries of Central Asia in this area. Historically, this region has been very sensitive to the actions of foreign military forces, but our partnership programs are very successful throughout the region. As for security cooperation, we all know that Russia consumes a lot of military equipment and ammunition in Ukraine. It will be difficult for it to restore its own reserves, and even more so to export to other countries,» said Donald Lu.
«This is critical for the countries of Central Asia, which rely on Russian weapons to protect their borders. Countries close to Afghanistan may suddenly face a shortage of aircraft or ammunition. This causes them great concern. We are discussing with them where they can get defensive means: from us, from South Korea or Japan,» he added.