Moscow: Russia announced its readiness to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid ongoing border tensions, provided both nations officially request its involvement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for Afghanistan, expressed Russia's concern over the escalating situation between Islamabad and Kabul in an interview with the Russian daily Izvestia. Kabulov emphasized the importance of ending the mutual hostilities swiftly and transitioning to peaceful relations. While acknowledging the hypothetical risk of a full-scale war, he noted that such an outcome remains unlikely.

Kabulov stated that Russia seeks a diplomatic compromise to halt the fighting. He clarified that Russia would consider mediating if both Afghanistan and Pakistan jointly request its intervention, but stressed that Moscow does not intend to impose itself without such a request.

The tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have intensified recently, leading to significant casualties and property damage. Since late February, cross-border clashes have resulted in at least 107 deaths on both sides, including 13 soldiers and five civilians in Pakistan, with one soldier unaccounted for. Afghanistan reports 13 soldiers and 76 civilian deaths, not including the latest casualties from a strike on Monday.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported 76 civilian deaths and 213 injuries in Afghanistan between February 26 and March 16, excluding the recent incident at Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul. The ongoing hostilities have exacerbated the already strained relations, with Islamabad accusing Afghanistan of harboring anti-Pakistan militant groups, a claim that Kabul denies.