Along the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, described the ongoing discussion about removing the Taliban from the list of undesirable organizations as a process driven by Moscow’s interest in opening dialogue. Her comments underscore a strategic shift aimed at establishing direct channels with the group, a stance that TASS highlighted as a guiding signal from the Russian side. This framing suggests a pragmatic approach that weighs the potential benefits of engagement against broader security considerations. (Source: TASS)
Zakharova emphasized that resolving cross-border issues such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime necessitates contact and diplomacy, even with actors that are controversial on the international stage. The spokesperson argued that practical communication can create opportunities to address persistent challenges, rather than allowing entrenched disagreements to stall progress. This perspective reflects Moscow’s belief that dialogue can help curb illicit activity and stabilize the region, provided there is a clear framework for cooperation and accountability. (Source: TASS)
From her viewpoint, Russia should respond to shifting regional realities with a pragmatic posture that remains aligned with national interests. The official noted that policy choices should be guided by concrete outcomes and the real-world impact of actions, rather than pure rhetoric. In this frame, Moscow sees a potential to influence developments in Afghanistan through measured engagement, while continuing to prioritize security, sovereignty, and regional stability. (Source: TASS)
Zakharova reiterated that the step of removing the Taliban from the list of terrorists is the result of inter-ministerial coordination, signaling a coordinated government stance rather than a unilateral decision. The process involves input from multiple ministries, aiming for a consistent, unified position that can be explained to international partners and domestic audiences alike. The aim is to balance diplomatic maneuvering with a clear соблюдение of national priorities. (Source: TASS)
She added that experts from a range of fields are contributing to the assessment, underscoring the breadth of the review. Yet the core principle remains that any issues created or intensified by external actors in Afghanistan should be addressed through responsible and predictable channels. The message is that pragmatic cooperation could help mitigate risks and lay groundwork for constructive talks, even as sensitive questions about legitimacy, security guarantees, and regional influence remain on the table. (Source: TASS)
Earlier, official statements noted that representatives of the Taliban movement announced their readiness to send Afghan athletes to the Friendship Games hosted in Russia. The information was conveyed by Abdul Umari, who serves as the acting minister of labor and social affairs in the interim government of Afghanistan. This development illustrates the more complex and evolving dynamics surrounding engagement with Afghan actors, including cultural and sporting exchanges that could accompany broader diplomatic outreach. (Source: TASS)
In a separate commentary ahead of SPIEF, Zakharova suggested that Western countries were pursuing a conspiracy-laden line of action, framing Western scrutiny as part of a broader strategy to influence outcomes in the region. The remarks underscore Moscow’s view that external pressures, sanctions, and strategic messaging from Western capitals complicate efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and manage security risks, while also prompting Russia to chart its own course grounded in national interests and regional pragmatism. (Source: TASS)”}