Putin Calls Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan an ‘Unforgettable’ Event

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, described the Soviet forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan as an ‘unforgettable’ event in Moscow’s military history in a message marking the 37th anniversary of the withdrawal. He referred to the decade-long war in Afghanistan as connected to the ‘national interests’ of the Soviet Union and praised the soldiers who served during the Soviet military presence in Afghanistan.

In his message, the Russian president recalled the role of Soviet forces during the Afghan war and regarded it as part of his country’s military record.

However, some military experts believe that the Red Army invaded Afghanistan without a justified reason, causing extensive damage and suffering to the Afghan people during the ten-year conflict. According to these analysts, the war left heavy human and infrastructural consequences for Afghanistan.

It is worth noting that 37 years ago, on 15 February 1989, after a decade of military presence and conflict, Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan—a milestone in the contemporary history of Afghanistan.