Shoygu Raises Concerns Over AUKUS, Potential Nuclear Deployment in Australia
Speaking during consultations involving Russian and ASEAN security officials at the International Security Forum near Moscow, Shoygu argued that Washington is expanding its military footprint across the Asia-Pacific region and strengthening cooperation with regional allies through newly established security frameworks.
“Washington is building up the capabilities of its armed forces grouping in the Asia-Pacific region and is placing emphasis on developing the potential of regional allies within newly created military-political alliances,” Shoygu said.
According to the Russian official, the United States is relying heavily on partnerships such as AUKUS, the trilateral security pact formed by Australia, Britain, and the United States in 2021.
Shoygu also claimed that Japan and South Korea are moving toward hosting American nuclear weapons, a development he said could have significant implications for regional stability.
“Japan and the Republic of Korea are preparing to deploy American nuclear weapons on their territory, with all the ensuing consequences for regional security,” he stated.
He further suggested that Australia could eventually face a similar scenario because of its role within the AUKUS framework.
“Such weapons may also appear on Australian territory due to its participation in the AUKUS partnership.”
In addition to his comments on Asia-Pacific security, Shoygu expressed concern about what he described as Washington’s rejection of a Russian proposal aimed at preserving parts of the New START Treaty through voluntary mutual restrictions after the agreement’s suspension.
The New START agreement, signed in 2010, placed limits on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems held by both Russia and the United States. The treaty expired in February 2026 and had been the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms-control agreement between the two countries.
Shoygu’s remarks reflect Moscow’s continuing criticism of US-led security initiatives in the Asia-Pacific and its broader concerns about the future of international arms-control arrangements.
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