Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Said Tayeb Jawad, said his country is ready to purchase high-powered military weapons and equipment from Moscow as the US accelerates withdrawal of its troops from the Islamic nation.
In an interview with Russian state-owned news agency TASS, Jawad expressed his hope that the country would assist Afghanistan in strengthening its military to bolster its defenses against the Taliban and other threats.
“We are hoping that Russia will consider repairing the existing Russian equipment, especially helicopters,” the ambassador stated. “Our cadets are getting training here, especially from the Ministry of Interior, which is good.”
Aside from procuring new equipment, Afghanistan is also seeking Russia’s help in training its pilots and mechanical engineers.
US Withdrawal From Afghanistan
All of the approximately 2,500 American troops currently stationed in the country are expected to return home before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
President Joe Biden has stated that the US cannot continue extending or expanding its military presence in Afghanistan and that the war was never meant to be a “multigenerational undertaking.”
