Russia mulls delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia said on Thursday that it ponders sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in Moscow that the prices on food, fuel and essential goods are rising amid uncertainty in the war-torn country after the Taliban takeover.

She called on the international community to prevent a humanitarian crisis that may erupt.

"We are particularly concerned about the growing social and economic tension in Afghanistan, which is associated with the suspension of financial and technical assistance from traditional Western donors. There is still uncertainty about the resumption of work of state institutions and banks," she said.

A spike in consumer costs provoked discontent with the Taliban, particularly in the capital Kabul and other big cities, she added.

"In Kabul and other major cities, there is dissatisfaction with the policy of the Taliban movement against the background of rising prices on essential goods, food and fuel. In this regard, we call on the international community to take effective measures to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. For our part, we are working on the possibility of delivering Russian humanitarian aid to Kabul," she said.

Zakharova blamed the Western countries for the recent developments in Afghanistan, saying they are responsible for "a negative effect on the well-being of the whole country" brought by their "spontaneous withdrawal".

Asked about possible recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate authority, Zakharova said this question will be put on the agenda after the formation of an inclusive government in the country.

"We are in favor of forming an inclusive coalition government in Afghanistan with the participation of all ethnic and political forces of the country, including national minorities, so the issue of official recognition of the authorities will become relevant after the completion of this process," she said.

The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan after taking the control of Kabul on Aug. 15, forcing the president and other top officials to leave the country.