Summary
Russia voiced strong opposition to any new foreign military bases in Afghanistan or nearby areas, responding to President Donald Trump's comments about possibly regaining the Bagram Air Base. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this clear during a meeting in Moscow with Afghan Taliban officials, citing past military conflicts in Afghanistan as a lesson.
Key Facts
- Russia stated that new foreign military bases in Afghanistan are unacceptable.
- President Donald Trump mentioned the U.S. might consider retaking the Bagram Air Base.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Taliban for combating Islamic State and tackling drug trafficking.
- Russia's history in Afghanistan includes a decade-long war that ended in 1989.
- Russia was the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in July.
- Russia aims to boost business and energy collaboration with Afghanistan.
- Western sanctions on Afghanistan were criticized by Russia as hostile.
- The meeting included delegates from China, India, Iran, and other regional countries.
