Russia regrets that some Western donors are trying to put the Taliban “in a stranglehold,” treating them with ultimatums, said Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya.
“We consistently stress the need for a realistic and comprehensive approach to Afghanistan—one that’s built on objective analysis and a balanced assessment of the situation. Its key elements remain the same: constructive engagement by the international community on Afghan issues, full consideration of the needs of the Afghan people, a rejection of double standards, and a patient, pressure-free, and non-coercive dialogue with the Taliban on all pressing matters. There is no alternative to this path. We’ve made this clear from the very beginning,” Nebenzya stated at the UN Security Council session on Afghanistan. “Against this backdrop, the futile attempts by certain Western donors to put the Taliban ‘in a stranglehold,’ talking to them in ultimatums and simultaneously blocking efforts—including those via the UN—to build trustful cooperation, are a cause for regret.”
At the same time, Nebenzya pointed out that “a number of pragmatic Western colleagues have already realized that this policy of pressure has failed and are now turning toward restoring broader humanitarian aid and development efforts.”
He also underscored Russia’s support for the Afghan people’s right and desire to live in a peaceful, thriving country free from drugs and terrorism. “But lasting peace cannot be achieved without patient engagement with those in power, without imposing outside visions or priorities. It’s also important that, within the UN, our dialogue involves those Afghans who actually hold real authority and bear responsibility for developments in the country. Only then can Afghanistan move quickly out of deadlock and towards genuine reintegration into the international community,” the Russian diplomat concluded.
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Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS