The Russian military and border guards will monitor the aggravation of the situation in the border regions of Afghanistan and make appropriate decisions, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"I can't tell you about the additional contingent. Of course, as the situation develops, we see, unfortunately, that it is not developing in the best way. Accordingly, our military and border guards will make the necessary decisions," the Kremlin spokesman said when asked if Russia was considering sending an additional contingent to help Tajikistan protect its borders.
At the same time, Russia is not discussing with the Afghan authorities the deployment of the military contingent in the country amid the worsening situation in the border areas, Peskov added.
"No, there are no discussions on this matter," the Kremlin spokesman said in response to a related question.
In addition, Russia is concerned about the development of the situation in the border areas of Afghanistan against the withdrawal of the US military from there.
"Of course, after the withdrawal of the Americans and their allies from Afghanistan, the development of the situation in that country is a subject of our heightened concern. We are observing very closely and state that, unfortunately, destabilization is taking place," Peskov said.
Situation at the border
On Monday, the press center of the Border Troops of Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security reported that more than 1,000 Afghan military personnel have retreated into the republic after fighting with supporters of the radical Taliban movement (banned in Russia). Over the past two weeks, there have already been several cases of forced retreat of Afghan servicemen to the territory of Tajikistan.
Earlier, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas said that the situation in northern Afghanistan was worsening and caused serious concern for the organization. It is necessary to help Tajikistan secure its southern border, he said. On July 1, the Council of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a statement of concern over the situation in Afghanistan and called on all political forces of the country to promote the peace process.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Alexander Shcherbak / TASS
Based on materials from TASS