“Will we send our troops to Afghanistan? I believe the answer is obvious, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on July 8, addressing students at the Far East Federal University, according to Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency.    

At the same time, Russian top diplomat noted that the Collective Security Organization (CSTO) would immediately consider the possibility of assistance to Tajikistan in the event of an attack by militants from Afghanistan.

He also emphasized that “as a result of slipping in the political process in Afghanistan, niches are formed where militants of the Islamic State terror group are drawn.”  

Besides, Lavrov stated that withdrawal of the US contingent from Afghanistan means the United States admitted defeat in this country.

Recall, Lavrov noted at a press conference in Laos on July 7 that Moscow is ready to use its military base in Tajikistan, its largest military base abroad, to ensure the security of its allies.

“We will do everything we can, including using the capabilities of the Russian military base on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, to prevent any aggressive impulses toward our allies," Russian top diplomat said. 

The minister added, “Obligations under the CSTO remain in full force.”

Tajikistan on July 7 appealed to the CSTO member nations for help in dealing with security challenges emerging from neighboring Afghanistan, according to Radio Liberty.  Dushanbe said in his appeal that it could not manage the instability at its border without external assistance.

The security situation in Afghanistan has rapidly deteriorated as foreign troops withdraw after 20 years, and hundreds of Afghan servicemen have crossed the border with Tajikistan in response to advances by the Taliban.