Russian SC Secretary Calls for US Role in Afghanistan Reconstruction

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has articulated a clear stance on Afghanistan's future, placing the onus of reconstruction squarely on the United States and its allies who were present for two decades. Speaking at the 21st meeting of the secretaries of relevant institutions of SCO member states, Shoigu asserted that Washington must acknowledge its full responsibility for the country's post-conflict recovery.

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Our fundamental approach is that the United States and its allies must acknowledge full responsibility for their 20-year presence in Afghanistan and assume the main burden of its post-conflict reconstruction.

From Moscow's perspective, the U.S. withdrawal created a vacuum that necessitates a new regional approach. Shoigu's remarks highlight Russia's commitment to stability in Central Asia, advocating for the resumption of the SCO-Afghanistan contact group and broader cooperation within initiatives like the Moscow Format. This reflects a strategic interest in ensuring that Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for extremism that could spill over into neighboring countries.

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We consider the return of third-country military infrastructure to Afghanistan or the deployment of new military facilities in neighboring states unacceptable.

Furthermore, Russia's pragmatic engagement with the current Afghan government, the Islamic Emirate, since its recognition in July 2025, is a key element of its policy. Shoigu detailed the development of a "full-fledged partnership" encompassing political, security, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties. This approach contrasts with the West's often conditional engagement and underscores Russia's focus on practical cooperation for mutual benefit and regional security.

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We are consistently building a full-fledged partnership — from political and security contacts to trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.

What is particularly noteworthy from a Russian viewpoint is the emphasis on regional solutions led by regional powers, rather than external imposition. The rejection of third-country military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighboring states signals a desire to prevent further foreign military entanglement and to foster an environment where Afghanistan's neighbors can collectively guide its stabilization and development. This is about reclaiming agency in regional security matters.

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We believe it is essential to agree on modalities for resuming the activities of the SCO-Afghanistan contact group, as well as expanding cooperation within regional initiatives, including the Moscow Format.