Russia has expressed deep concern over the sharp escalation of armed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged both nations to return to the negotiating table to prevent further bloodshed.
"Russia calls on both sides to refrain from this dangerous confrontation and return to the negotiating table. We are concerned about the sharp increase in armed clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan involving regular army units, air forces, and heavy weaponry. There are casualties on both sides, including civilians. Russia also urges Afghanistan and Pakistan to abandon dangerous confrontation and return to the negotiating table to resolve all differences through political and diplomatic means," she noted.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also addressed the ongoing tensions between the two neighboring states, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution. "Of course, the occurring military clashes are a bad sign. Therefore, we hope that this will end as soon as possible. Like everyone else, we are monitoring the situation closely," Peskov stated.
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly the Durand Line, has long been a flashpoint for geopolitical tension. Recent escalations have seen increased military activity and cross-border shelling, raising fears of a broader regional instability. International observers note that stability in this region is crucial for the security of Central and South Asia, as well as for ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Russia, maintaining strategic interests in regional security, frequently acts as a diplomatic mediator in Eurasian border disputes to prevent the spillover of conflict into neighboring territories.
