Russian Foreign Minister Warns Afghan Instability Threatens Regional Security

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned at a CSTO Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Moscow that instability in Afghanistan and the Middle East poses growing security threats across Eurasia and Central Asia. Lavrov highlighted terrorism and drug trafficking as persistent challenges requiring coordinated regional responses.

Citing Russian security assessments, Lavrov stated that between 20,000 and 23,000 militants remain active in Afghanistan. He noted that international and Russian evaluations continue to identify ISIS-K as a significant threat, contrasting with claims by the Taliban that security has improved. While CSTO member states maintain diplomatic ties with the de facto authorities in Kabul, officials emphasized the continued need for strengthened border controls and counterterrorism cooperation.

As the current chair of the CSTO, Russia pledged to enhance coordination with allied nations to address these transnational risks. Lavrov also announced that a joint summit involving CSTO, Commonwealth of Independent States, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation representatives is scheduled for October 2026 to further discuss regional stability and security frameworks.

The remarks reflect ongoing international scrutiny of Afghanistan’s security landscape. CSTO leadership reiterated the alliance’s focus on collective security measures, underscoring the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and operational coordination to prevent the spillover of regional conflicts.