Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), expressed concerns over the situation in Afghanistan during a Commonwealth of Independent States meeting. He emphasized the significant threat posed by the expansion of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan to regional security.
Bortnikov stated that the Taliban could establish order in Afghanistan if external actors refrain from intervening in Kabul. He also noted ongoing Anglo-Saxon efforts to influence Afghanistan, aiming to establish a foothold in Central Asia.
Furthermore, Bortnikov described the collaborative efforts between Russia and the Taliban to combat international terrorism as a “positive development.” This statement follows remarks by Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, who recently declared that the Taliban are no longer considered an enemy by Russia. Since the Taliban’s rise to power, Russian officials have actively sought to maintain relations with the group.
