Russia: NATO Seeks to Return to Afghanistan
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at an international meeting of Asian political parties, once again warned of NATO’s efforts to return to Afghanistan.
Lavrov stated that NATO, following its “disorderly” withdrawal from Afghanistan, is now attempting to re-establish a presence in the country.
According to Lavrov, NATO is seeking allies of Moscow in Central Asia and pressuring them to choose between Russia and the United States.
Sergey Lavrov said: “After NATO’s shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan four years ago, the alliance is once again trying to find new entry points into the country. They are actively pressuring our friends, allies, and strategic partners in Central Asia, attempting to impose their well-known concept of ‘either with us or with Russia.’”
This is not the first time Russia has expressed concern over NATO’s attempts to return to Afghanistan and the region.
Previously, Russia’s Foreign Minister and the head of its foreign intelligence service had also warned about NATO’s potential return to Afghanistan.
Janat Fahim Chakari, a political analyst, commented: “The United States has no interest in a military presence in Afghanistan. However, these statements from Russia indicate that Moscow aims to form an anti-Western alliance in the region and turn Afghanistan into its regional ally.”
Russia’s warning about NATO’s return to Afghanistan comes as the U.S. Defense Secretary emphasized at a meeting in Singapore the previous day that Washington will no longer engage in aimless wars, such as the one in Afghanistan.
