Russian National Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has said that the establishment of military bases by the United States and NATO member countries in Afghanistan or its neighboring states is unacceptable.
Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Shoigu made these remarks during the third meeting of the secretaries of the national security councils of Russia and Central Asian countries. The meeting was held on the sidelines of an international security forum.
Shoigu stated that the security situation in Afghanistan remains complicated and that drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and the activities of international terrorist groups continue.
He added that while building relations with Afghanistan’s current authorities, it should not be forgotten that NATO countries’ policies created the current situation. According to him, NATO bears the “main responsibility” for Afghanistan’s present condition.
The Russian National Security Council secretary emphasized that, in light of recent developments surrounding Iran, Moscow does not accept the return of US and NATO military presence to Afghanistan or other countries in the region.
He warned that such actions would only increase security threats in the region.
Since 2021, Russia has repeatedly expressed opposition to the possible return of US and NATO military presence in Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, calling it a threat to regional security.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has recently referred several times to the importance of Bagram Air Base, but Washington has so far announced no official plan to return troops to Afghanistan.
Russia is currently considered the only country that has officially recognized Taliban rule.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
