Russia Doesn’t Support UNSG’s Decision to Appoint Special Representative for Afghanistan

Anna Evstigneeva, Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, clarified Russia's abstention from the Security Council resolution on Afghanistan.

She stated that Russia will not support the UN Secretary General's decision to appoint a special representative for Afghan affairs without Taliban approval.

In a statement, Evstigneeva said that the UN special coordinator's report largely aligns with the overall approach of regional actors to Afghanistan's issues.

She said that they express a shared aspiration with the authors of the draft to alter the current state of affairs, aiming to guide the international community toward greater pragmatic engagement with the Taliban. However, she added that the recommendations should be discussed in a patient and comprehensive manner.

The Russian diplomat stated the efforts to impose development paths on Afghanistan, even under the auspices of the United Nations, are counterproductive and will hardly yield any results.

"It is important to take a sober assessment of the situation on the ground, taking into account the reaction of the Talibs themselves," she said.

Evstigneeva emphasized that the issue of Afghanistan can be solved only if there is a consistent and patient dialogue with the Taliban officials and if certain Western donors stop their usual rhetoric and stop manipulating humanitarian aid.

On Friday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Afghanistan, with Russia and China opting to abstain from voting.

The resolution called on the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy for peace in Afghanistan.