Russia Deems Possible US Troop Return to Bagram Airbase ‘Completely Unacceptable’
Russia has declared that any potential return of United States military forces to Afghanistan, particularly the reopening of Bagram Airbase, is “completely unacceptable” to Moscow. Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special presidential envoy for Afghanistan, stated this position in an interview with the RIA Novosti news agency.
Kabulov emphasized that Moscow opposes the establishment of any American or NATO military infrastructure on Afghan soil or in neighboring countries under any pretext. He expressed hope that the Taliban administration would share Russia’s stance on this matter.
These remarks come amid growing concerns over the US military presence in the Middle East and escalating tensions with Iran. Some reports indicate that Washington may be seeking renewed access to Bagram Airbase as part of its strategic maneuvers in the region; the base, located north of Kabul, served as a crucial military hub during two decades of foreign troop presence.
The Russian special envoy referred to the previous US administration, saying that following the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, Washington has persistently sought to regain control over Bagram. He added, “There is nothing new in these demands.”
Moscow’s firm stance reflects broader anxieties over the expansion of American and NATO influence near its borders, especially in Central Asia and Afghanistan, a region of strategic importance to Russia.
