Moscow – Russia has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to show restraint after two days of deadly cross-border clashes left dozens dead and brought trade to a standstill — the worst fighting between the neighbours in years.

In a statement on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation and noted that “the situation is stabilising,” echoing appeals from China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar for calm.

“We welcome this process,” the ministry said, referring to efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

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Escalation after Kabul explosions

Tensions erupted on Thursday, when the Taliban accused Pakistan of involvement in explosions in Kabul and Paktika Province.

Two days later, Taliban forces attacked Pakistani military posts along the border. Pakistani troops retaliated with gunfire, artillery and drone strikes, with fighting continuing into Sunday morning.

Both sides have offered sharply different casualty figures. Pakistan’s military said 23 soldiers were killed and claimed to have killed 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters. Afghan officials, in turn, said 58 Pakistani soldiers had died.

By Monday, the border crossings remained closed, with hundreds of people and trucks stranded on both sides as Pakistani forces stayed on high alert.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it “greatly values dialogue and diplomacy” but warned that “any further provocations would be met with an unwavering and befitting response.”

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Strained ties since Taliban takeover

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have worsened since the Taliban seized power in 2021. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring fighters from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a charge the Taliban denies.

The border, frequently tense, has seen periodic skirmishes and mutual accusations of cross-border shelling.

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Moscow’s growing Afghan role

Russia has worked to deepen ties with the Taliban since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, positioning itself as a potential power broker in the region.

Taliban delegations attended Russia’s St Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2022 and 2024, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism,” referring to the ISIL affiliate in Khorasan Province (ISKP) — which has claimed attacks in Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, and beyond.

In July 2025, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government, saying the move would “give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields.”