Russia is concerned that the sharpening tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could escalate into a full-scale war and is prepared to act as a mediator if both countries request assistance, Zamir Kabulov, the Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan, told Izvestia.
"We are trying to find a compromise solution that would allow for an end to the hostilities and a transition to diplomacy," Kabulov noted. "Russia will be ready to consider such a possibility if both sides simultaneously approach us with a request for mediation. As of now, this has not happened, and we do not intend to impose ourselves."
"Of course, Russia is concerned by the escalation of the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We would like to see an immediate end to the exchange of strikes and a move toward de-escalation in their relations," he said.
Kabulov characterized the current escalation as episodic, arising from various triggers. While he acknowledged that the risk of a full-scale war remains a hypothetical possibility, he expressed doubt that such a scenario would actually unfold.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS