MOSCOW : Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, has expressed concern over the escalating border conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In a statement issued on March 4, 2026, she said:
“We are concerned about the ongoing fighting along the Afghan-Pakistani border.
In recent days, there have been reports of armed clashes involving aircraft and heavy weapons across virtually the entire border area inhabited by Pashtun tribes.
There have been casualties on both sides. The civilian population is suffering, including Afghan refugees who have returned from neighboring Pakistan and Iran.
❗️We once again call on Kabul and Islamabad to refrain from military confrontation and resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry urged both Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to prevent further escalation. Moscow emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to avoid additional humanitarian suffering and regional instability.
