Russia has strongly warned against NATO’s possible re-entry into Afghanistan, expressing serious concerns over renewed geopolitical interference and the risk of further destabilizing the region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at a press briefing in Samarkand, criticized what he termed as the “questionable engagement” of Western countries with the Taliban regime. He particularly condemned any plans for the return of NATO military facilities to Afghanistan, describing such actions as unacceptable and labeling them a “time bomb” for regional stability.
Lavrov’s remarks followed media reports suggesting that former U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed interest in controlling Bagram Airbase to monitor China’s nuclear activities. However, no official confirmation has surfaced regarding NATO’s potential redeployment of military assets to Afghanistan.
Highlighting growing concerns, Lavrov pointed out that Western nations, through the United Nations, have initiated a new diplomatic framework in Doha, indicating a renewed interest in Afghanistan. “We are seeing the West actively trying to re-enter the Afghanistan game, a game they left after the Taliban’s return,” he said.
While clarifying that Russia does not oppose a Western diplomatic presence in Central Asia, Lavrov warned against actions aimed at re-establishing NATO’s military infrastructure in Afghanistan. “Returning NATO’s military facilities to Afghanistan under various pretexts is unacceptable, and such efforts are like setting a new time bomb,” he stressed.
Lavrov also emphasized the importance of adapting to the realities on the ground, including the Taliban’s control over Kabul. He noted that Russia’s move to consider removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations is aimed at facilitating practical cooperation, rather than taking an ideological stance.
In a broader context, Lavrov announced that a summit between Russia and Central Asian leaders will be held in October in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, focusing on strengthening regional collaboration. He also reiterated Russia’s vigilance regarding Western attempts to expand influence in Central Asia, warning against the politicisation of regional cooperation.
