Moscow Expected to Address Pakistan’s Attacks on Afghanistan in July 1 Press Conference
The head of the Afghanistan Studies Center in Moscow has stated that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will likely announce an official position regarding Pakistan’s recent attacks on three Afghan provinces during its July 1 press conference. So far, Moscow has not publicly responded to these events.
Andrei Syrenko explained that the Russian Foreign Ministry traditionally takes time before reacting to sensitive regional issues and requires additional time to prepare an official statement. According to him, Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokesperson, is expected to address recent developments, including Pakistan’s bombing of areas within Afghan territory, at Tuesday’s press briefing.
According to a report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Pakistan’s Saturday night bombardment of areas in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Khost has resulted in at least 28 civilian deaths and 49 injuries. UNAMA added that women and children were among the victims, although some sources have reported higher casualty figures.
Russia had previously called on Pakistan and the Taliban administration to resolve tensions through diplomatic means and also announced its readiness to mediate. However, the increase in cross-border attacks and civilian casualties has heightened concerns regarding the Taliban administration’s inability to ensure comprehensive security and protect residents in border areas.
Currently, Russia is the only country that officially recognizes the Taliban administration and recently signed a military-technical cooperation agreement with its Ministry of Defense. Among countries with close political and economic ties to the Taliban, only India has officially condemned Pakistan’s recent attacks on Afghan soil.
