Russia Supports UNAMA Mission Extension, Criticizes US Approach on Afghanistan
Russia has announced its support for the UN Security Council resolution to extend the one-year mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and emphasized the continuation of realistic dialogue with the Taliban administration as part of addressing the Afghan crisis. This position was stated by Russia’s deputy permanent representative during a recent Security Council meeting.
Anna Ostiguyena, Russia’s deputy representative to the United Nations, said Moscow voted in favor of the resolution that extends UNAMA’s mission for another year. She added that the document focuses on supporting the people of Afghanistan to build a “peaceful, prosperous, and terrorism- and drug-free country.”
According to Ostiguyena, maintaining UNAMA’s structure and areas of operation without fundamental changes is important for the mission to fully continue its work. She also welcomed the inclusion of provisions related to economic development in the resolution’s text, describing it as a step toward strengthening Afghanistan’s self-sufficiency.
At the same time, the Russian representative warned that any strategic reassessment of UNAMA’s activities should be based on a careful and objective analysis of Afghanistan’s situation, taking into account the needs of the people, especially in capacity building, humanitarian aid, and socio-economic development. She emphasized that transforming UNAMA into an “oversight structure benefiting Western countries” could jeopardize the United Nations’ presence in Afghanistan.
Ostiguyena also expressed disappointment with what she called the “unconstructive approach of the American delegation” during negotiations, stating that this hindered the inclusion of some elements of practical cooperation in the resolution.
In another part of her remarks, she stressed the necessity of patient and ongoing dialogue with the Taliban administration, saying there is no substitute for this engagement. This comes amid continued restrictions and harsh policies by the Taliban, especially regarding women’s rights and social participation, which have consistently been a major challenge in the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan. It is expected that any dialogue should lead to tangible improvements in citizens’ conditions.
According to the Russian representative, UNAMA’s continuous interaction with the Taliban for coordinating humanitarian aid and supporting vulnerable groups is fundamentally important. She added that the Security Council’s decision not only supports UNAMA but also sends a message to the Afghan people about the international community’s sustained commitment to helping achieve peace and stability in the country.
