NEW YORK (APP): Russia has issued a stern warning against any new foreign military deployments in Afghanistan or neighboring countries, calling such moves “categorically unacceptable,” according to a report in Newsweek. The statement was delivered during a high-level conference in Moscow attended by representatives of the Taliban government.
The warning comes in response to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the United States is considering retaking Bagram Air Base—a sprawling military facility abandoned during the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at the opening of the conference, praised the Taliban’s efforts to combat Islamic State militants and narcotics trafficking. However, he drew a firm line against renewed U.S. military involvement, stating that any “extra-regional military presence” would only fuel instability. “Afghanistan’s history should have taught everyone the right lessons long ago,” Lavrov added.
Russia’s position is shaped by its own painful legacy in Afghanistan, where the Soviet Union fought a decade-long war before withdrawing in 1989—a conflict that contributed to its eventual collapse. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Moscow has sought closer ties with Kabul and positioned itself as a key regional player.
In July, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, removing it from its list of banned organizations. Lavrov emphasized Moscow’s interest in expanding business and energy cooperation with Afghanistan, while condemning Western sanctions and the freeze on Afghan foreign assets as “hostile and counterproductive.”
The Moscow conference was attended by officials from Pakistan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with discussions centered on regional security and economic development. Despite ongoing international criticism of the Taliban’s human rights record, particularly regarding women and girls, the group continues to seek global legitimacy.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, leading the Taliban delegation, welcomed Russia’s recognition and called on other nations to follow suit. He highlighted Afghanistan’s potential for investment, trade, and connectivity after decades of turmoil.
President Trump’s recent comments on Bagram have added fuel to the geopolitical debate. “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” he warned last month.
According to Newsweek, the dispute over Bagram remains unresolved, with the Taliban standing firm and the U.S. still weighing its options.
