Image Credits - TASS
Russia will prioritize its national interests in deciding whether to recognize and exclude the Taliban movement from its list of prohibited organizations, according to Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov. In an exclusive interview with TASS, Zhirnov emphasized that Russia’s stance on the Taliban, which is currently banned in the Russian Federation, will be guided by pragmatic considerations aligned with its geopolitical and security interests.
Ambassador Zhirnov stated, “Our approach to the Taliban is driven by Russia’s national interests. We will consider the evolving political landscape in Afghanistan and the implications for regional stability and security.”
The Taliban, a designated terrorist organization banned in Russia since 2003, regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Their swift takeover has prompted a reconsideration of foreign policies among global powers, including Russia, which has historically maintained a cautious but pragmatic stance towards the group.
Zhirnov highlighted the importance of Afghanistan’s stability for regional security, particularly for the Central Asian republics, which share borders with Afghanistan and are considered part of Russia’s sphere of influence. “The stability of Afghanistan directly impacts the security and economic interests of our neighbouring countries in Central Asia. We will closely monitor the situation and adjust our policies accordingly,” he said.
The ambassador also pointed to the need for international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. “The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is dire. We believe that international efforts should be coordinated to provide necessary aid to the Afghan people,” Zhirnov noted. indicating that Russia may seek to balance its security concerns with humanitarian considerations.
As the international community remains divided on the issue of Taliban recognition, Russia’s position will be pivotal in shaping the future political landscape of Afghanistan and its integration into the global order.