Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has told Russian state television that US military bases in Central Asia should close up shop once the security situation in Afghanistan eases. Beyond that, says Lavrov, a US presence in the traditional Russian sphere of influence will not be necessary. We are always happy to be of service.
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.