RASC News Agency: Russia has urged both Pakistan and the Taliban authorities in Kabul to resolve their escalating disputes solely through political dialogue and diplomatic engagement, expressing deep concern over the rising tensions along their shared border.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that the worsening standoff between the two sides poses a threat not only to regional stability but to the broader international community. She emphasized that Moscow, drawing on its extensive experience in conflict mediation, stands ready to play a constructive role should either party request it.
“Russia possesses the expertise necessary for mediation and is prepared to assist if required,” Zakharova declared, underscoring Moscow’s desire to prevent further deterioration in an already volatile region. She added that Russia remains aligned with its regional partners and will continue monitoring developments closely.
The statement comes at a time when Russia remains the only country to have extended official diplomatic recognition to the Taliban administration, a move widely scrutinized by global observers given the group’s rigid governance and persistent international isolation.
Tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban intensified sharply after a third round of talks in Istanbul collapsed without progress. Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, confirmed that negotiations had reached a “total deadlock,” noting that there are currently no plans for further rounds. He described the Pakistani delegation’s return “empty-handed” as a clear indicator that even mediators have grown increasingly skeptical of the Taliban’s willingness or capacity to compromise.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also acknowledged the failure of the talks, stating early Saturday on X that the discussions yielded “no results.” He nevertheless reiterated the group’s habitual claim that it will not permit any militant organization to use Afghanistan territory against neighboring states a pledge that critics argue the group has repeatedly failed to enforce.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had jointly called on both Pakistan and the Taliban to resume dialogue and prioritize diplomatic mechanisms to de-escalate the crisis. Analysts view this coordinated messaging as part of a broader effort by regional powers to avert further destabilization stemming from the Taliban’s governance challenges, internal divisions, and inability to rein in cross-border militancy.
