Russia Offers To Mediate As Pakistan-Afghan Tensions Rise, Calls For Immediate De-Escalation
Curated By :
Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 17:10 IST
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, said Moscow is closely monitoring the situation with concern.
resetRapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI.+ More Rapid Read Like this summary?Share Your Feedback
Russia has once again offered to mediate, urging both sides to step back and resolve the crisis through dialogue, as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have peaked following Islamabad’s military offensive against Kabul last month.
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, said Moscow is closely monitoring the situation with concern and supports immediate de-escalation.
Recommended Stories
- Israel Claims Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib Killed; Tehran Yet To Confirm
- Afghan Taliban’s Retaliatory Actions: Eight Pakistani Security Personnel Killed In Ambush | Exclusive
- Asim Munir Blasts Pakistan Intel Heads Over Failure To Eliminate ‘Enemy No.1’ TTP Chief | Exclusive
- From Influencer, Tourists To Expats: How The UAE Is Policing Its Social Media Elite
He stressed that the priority is to halt hostilities and create conditions for renewed diplomatic engagement. “We are trying to find a compromise solution that would make it possible to stop the clashes and move to diplomacy," he said.
Kabulov made it clear that Russia is willing to act as a mediator, but only if both Islamabad and Kabul formally request it at the same time. “Russia will be ready to consider such an option if both sides simultaneously turn to it with a request for mediation. So far, this has not happened."
He also noted that Moscow will not intervene unilaterally or without the consent of both sides.
ALSO READ: Asim Munir Blasts Pakistan Intel Heads Over Failure To Eliminate ‘Enemy No.1’ TTP Chief | Exclusive
Despite the sharp escalation, Kabulov assessed the chances of a broader war as low under current conditions.
Russia’s renewed offer comes as international concern grows over the conflict, with civilian casualties rising and displacement increasing. Notably, Russia became the first country to officially recognise the Taliban government last year.
The development follows similar calls from China, which has urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. Over the past week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone conversations with his Afghan and Pakistani counterparts to encourage dialogue.
China’s special envoy on Afghan affairs has also been shuttling between Kabul and Islamabad, while its embassies remain in close contact with officials.
Beijing has said it will continue efforts to ease tensions and support reconciliation between the two neighbours, even as the situation along their shared border remains volatile.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Check US Israel Iran War News Latest Updates, Stock Market Live, Dubai News Today.view commentsLocation :RussiaFirst Published:March 18, 2026, 17:08 ISTNews world Russia Offers To Mediate As Pakistan-Afghan Tensions Rise, Calls For Immediate De-EscalationDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Loading comments…Read More
