In a special commentary for TASS, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov stated that the Taliban (banned in Russia) now hold control over the entire territory of Afghanistan. He mentioned that the Taliban are currently focused on establishing a peaceful environment and addressing the extensive damage left by the preceding government.
"The Taliban now exercise control over the entirety of Afghanistan's territory, and have achieved notable accomplishments in countering ISIS (formerly known as the Islamic State, IS, and banned in Russia). They have also declared their commitment to eliminating the drug industry," the diplomat highlighted. He further explained, "Their efforts are directed towards establishing a climate of peace and addressing the extensive destruction left in the wake of the previous puppet government."
He explained that these efforts are being undertaken in the face of severe sanctions imposed on the country by the United States and the freezing of its foreign exchange reserves by American authorities. "We are collaborating with our international partners to urge the US and its aligned nations, who have contributed to Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis, to acknowledge their accountability and undertake the primary responsibility for the economic reconstruction of the nation," the ambassador conveyed.
A fait accompli
Zhirnov pointed out that on August 15, 2021, units of the Taliban movement entered Kabul, after having taken control of nearly all populated areas in the preceding months. "What have these past two years revealed? The Taliban are no longer merely a fait accompli. The guerrillas of yesterday have now confidently showcased themselves as a governing entity, marking the end of the 20-year US-NATO presence in Afghanistan and the protracted civil war," noted the Russian ambassador.
He further underlined that "there exists no substantial alternative to the Taliban." "Our proactive efforts to establish contacts with this military-political faction while it was in armed opposition have proven to be entirely justified," the diplomat added.
Waiting for progress
After the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, Russia continued to provide significant humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people through substantial shipments of aid, the ambassador revealed. "Our supplies of grain and fuel have helped alleviate the impact of natural disasters and harsh winters for the population," Zhirnov highlighted. He further added, "Each year, we offer several hundred scholarships for free education of Afghans in Russian universities, particularly in socially vital fields."
"We've encouraged the Taliban to establish an inclusive state framework that involves representatives from all Afghan ethnic, religious, and political factions, in addition to intensifying efforts against underground activities and drug trade. This endeavor must be unwavering," he underscored. "These constitute crucial matters. We are still awaiting progress in these domains."
Moscow platform
The diplomat added that the Russian Federation is engaged in patient bilateral work with Kabul as well as participating in the Moscow Format of consultations on Afghanistan.
"This platform encompasses all neighboring countries and involves nations that wield substantial influence over Afghan affairs. It has gained considerable international political significance and credibility, leading to the development of consensus viewpoints. The shared aspiration is for Afghanistan to emerge as an independent, neutral, unified, democratic, and peaceful nation, free from the grip of terrorism, conflict, and drug trade," he expressed.
The ambassador underscored his belief in emphasizing a regional approach to resolving the Afghan issue. "Unfortunately, in other avenues, we don't observe a genuine intent to contribute to its resolution. We discern only an inclination to advance narrow geopolitical objectives at the expense of Afghanistan's stability and the security of the surrounding region, particularly involving powers like Russia, China, and Iran," the diplomat remarked.
Zhirnov highlighted that the regional foundation of the Moscow format is continuously expanding. "Representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Indonesia have been invited to Kazan, where the fifth meeting of the format is set to occur on September 29. Their participation will also hold significant importance in the collective efforts," the ambassador emphasized.
On April 14, 2021, US President Joe Biden announced the conclusion of the operation in Afghanistan, marking the longest foreign military campaign in American history. On August 15 of the same year, the Taliban entered Kabul without resistance and swiftly assumed control of the city.
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Based on materials from TASS