Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed concerns over what he sees as intentional attempts by Western powers to influence Central Asia both through humanitarian aid and military engagement.
During a visit to Tajikistan, Lavrov suggested that development assistance programs led by the West are actually strategic tools. He believes they are designed to manipulate and reshape the region's political and economic environment for the benefit of the West. This includes asserting control over crucial resources such as water.
Lavrov also urged Central Asian nations to critically evaluate military collaboration proposals and law enforcement training programs put forth by Western countries, implying that these schemes might have underlying motives.