❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russia hosted a Taliban delegation in Moscow and warned against foreign military presence in Afghanistan or neighboring states.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and officials from China, India, Iran, and other regional nations.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, during an international meeting on Afghanistan held in Moscow.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on the territory of Afghanistan… is categorically unacceptable under any pretext.” – Sergey Lavrov
🎯IMPACT: Russia’s recognition of the Taliban strengthens its regional influence, though the Taliban’s restrictions on women hinder broader international acceptance.
Russia hosted a high-level Taliban delegation in Moscow on Tuesday, October 7, issuing a strong warning against any foreign military presence in Afghanistan or nearby countries. The warning comes following recent comments by President Donald J. Trump, indicating he wishes to see Bagram airbase in Afghanistan return to U.S. control.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledged the Taliban’s efforts to combat extremist groups like the Islamic State and to curb illegal drug activity. However, he was clear in his opposition to any renewed foreign military involvement in the region. “The deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on the territory of Afghanistan, as well as on the territories of neighboring states, is categorically unacceptable under any pretext,” Lavrov said.
The warning appears particularly pointed as President Trump has recently expressed interest in reclaiming Bagram Airbase, a major U.S. military hub that was abandoned during the disastrous Biden government withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Trump called the move to give up Bagram “a mistake” and said efforts are underway to get it back. “We are trying to get it back, by the way,” he said in a recent interview. “We gave it for nothing. We are trying to get it back … that could be a little breaking news.” He emphasized Bagram’s strategic location, saying it is “an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”
Notably, Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has soured in recent months over Putin’s intransigence over peace talks in Ukraine. The Russian backing of Afghanistan over issues like the Bagram Airbase is likely to further inflame tensions between the two leaders.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised Russia for being the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, calling it a “bold move” and urging others to do the same. He also claimed the Taliban has made significant progress in ensuring security and creating economic opportunities.
Russia officially removed the Taliban from its list of banned organizations in July, opening the door for formal diplomatic engagement. Lavrov used the meeting to criticize Western sanctions and asset freezes targeting Afghanistan, describing them as “hostile policies.”
Despite growing ties with Moscow and some regional actors, the Taliban remains internationally isolated due to its strict domestic policies. Since returning to power, the group has barred women from most public roles, restricted their access to education beyond sixth grade, and closed off many areas of civic life, drawing widespread condemnation.
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