Russia Rejects NATO Military Deployment in Afghanistan

Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has declared that the deployment of U.S. and NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighboring countries is “unacceptable.” He stated that given recent developments concerning Iran and the region, the military presence of the United States and NATO in and around Afghanistan will only increase threats.

Shoigu made these remarks during the third meeting of Security Council Secretaries, held under the “Central Asia–Russia” format in Moscow. He described the situation in Afghanistan as “complex.”

The Russian Security Council Secretary also emphasized that when dealing with current Afghan authorities, it should be considered that NATO member countries bear primary responsibility for the present situation in Afghanistan.

Since the withdrawal of foreign forces in 2021 and the Taliban’s reestablishment of control over Afghanistan, discussions about the role and responsibility of international actors in the country’s developments have remained a key focus of regional and international meetings.