Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has identified Afghanistan as the primary source of instability in Central Asia, citing the entrenched presence of radical groups and the growing risk of terrorism spreading beyond its borders. Speaking at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council of Defense Ministers in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Belousov emphasized the need for constant monitoring and immediate measures to ensure regional stability, particularly by strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border.
Belousov’s remarks come amid heightened concerns over the activities of extremist groups like Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), which has been linked to several attacks, including the March 2024 assault on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall. The minister underscored the importance of enhancing military readiness and cooperation among CSTO member states to counter the threat posed by these groups.
This stance aligns with Russia’s recent diplomatic moves, such as the April 2025 decision by its Supreme Court to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, a move seen as an attempt to engage with Afghanistan’s ruling authorities to address shared security concerns.
Analysts note that despite the Taliban’s control, Afghanistan remains a haven for various terrorist organizations, necessitating a coordinated regional response to prevent the spillover of extremist activities into neighboring Central Asian countries.
As the situation evolves, Russia continues to advocate for a united front among its allies to bolster border security and combat the proliferation of radical ideologies emanating from Afghanistan.
