Russia warns US return to military bases in Afghanistan would threaten region
Alexander Venediktov, deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has warned that the return of US military infrastructure to Afghanistan could pose a direct threat to all countries in the region.
He said the United States has announced its intention to re-establish military infrastructure in Afghanistan, a claim that US officials did not address in this report. Venediktov added that Moscow’s security talks with Kabul also seek to prevent the return of military infrastructure from countries outside the region to Afghanistan.
The deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council described engagement with the Taliban administration as part of multilateral cooperation tied to Russia’s national interests. He said these ties are important for Moscow both for security and for creating a peaceful and stable environment in Eurasia.
Venediktov said Russia is not the only country in contact with the Taliban administration and that almost all countries in the region are in direct contact with Kabul. He added that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is also reviewing the issue of resuming cooperation with Afghanistan through its former contact group.
According to the Russian official, relations between Moscow and Kabul are expanding in a range of areas, including between the foreign ministries, government institutions and business circles. The two sides have previously established a joint working group for trade and economic cooperation, and efforts to strengthen the legal framework governing their relations are continuing.
Venediktov said economic cooperation with Kabul is important for advancing regional projects in the transport and energy sectors. The remarks come as the Taliban administration seeks to expand regional engagement and attract economic cooperation, while the issue of the presence or return of foreign military infrastructure remains one of Afghanistan’s most contentious security disputes.
