“We have taken note of reports in some Afghan media of statements regarding Russia’s ‘support’ for the Taliban movement by President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai during his recent trip to Paktia Province,” the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Information and Press Department said in a statement released on Monday.
“We consider unacceptable such statements by the head of state of friendly Afghanistan. We recall that Afghan officials have confirmed at different levels that such accusations against Moscow are groundless,” it added.
The Russian Foreign Ministry statement noted that “On the contrary, Moscow is rendering multiple forms of assistance to Kabul, including help in consolidating the combat capabilities of its national security forces, and is actively facilitating inter-Afghan dialogue with a view to establishing peace and stability in that country as soon as possible.”
“We urge Afghan leaders not to follow along with the anti-Russian hysteria fanned by some Western media.”
Afghan president during his visit to southeastern Paktia province on Sunday accused Pakistan and Russia of supporting the Taliban by providing them with weapons, training and money.
“The Taliban are accepting guns from those who have blood on their hand of 1.5 million Afghans,” Ghani said in a reference to Russia.