UNITED NATIONS, September 23. /TASS/. Russia is alarmed by the US and its Asian allies escalating military hysteria around the Korean Peninsula, where the Americans are accumulating strategic potential, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

"It is alarming that Washington and its Asian allies are whipping up military hysteria on the Korean Peninsula, where the strategic potential of the US is accumulating. Russian and Chinese initiatives to give priority to humanitarian and political tasks are rejected," the top Russian diplomat said.

The High-level Week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly kicked off on September 19 in New York. It traditionally brings together heads of state, prime ministers, foreign ministers and representatives of international organizations from around the world. For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the High-level Week is being held without health restrictions. Participants have to attend all events in person, and video messages are not be allowed. The Russian delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.