Not Want To Interfere In Taliban And Afghanistan Issues, President Putin: We Take Lessons From The Soviet Union

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin sent four planes through the defense ministry to evacuate his citizens, saying he would not interfere with what is happening with Afghanistan and the Taliban at this time, learning from the experience of the Soviet Union.

The Russian government through the Ministry of Defense announced the delivery of four planes to evacuate more than 500 of its citizens, as well as citizens of countries that are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Wednesday local time.

Citing TASS Wednesday, August 25, the four aircraft have formed a flying group and are awaiting further instructions in Ulyanovsk. Meanwhile, the countries included in the CSTO are Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In addition, the plane will also evacuate Ukrainian citizens.

"Each aircraft is equipped with medical personnel and equipment to provide the necessary medical assistance in flight. In addition, the aircraft has a supply of drinking water, blankets, and individual food rations", the Russian Ministry of Defense said.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin said Russia continues to monitor the situation in Afghanistan, but will not allow its armed forces to be dragged into Afghanistan and the Taliban's problems in that country.

"You know how difficult and worrying the situation in Afghanistan is today. We are closely monitoring this situation, actively cooperating with our ally CSTO", said President Putin on the sidelines of the United Russia Party Congress, yesterday.

"Of course, we will not interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs, nor will our armed forces be drawn into this conflict. I think this is what happened there", he continued.

President Putin said he remembered well that the conflict in Afghanistan had simmered for decades.

"The Soviet Union has its own experience in the country. We have learned its lessons", said President Putin.

To note, Western countries are currently busy evacuating their citizens and Afghans who have helped them for the past 20 years, to get out of the country no later than August 31.

Yesterday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated that anyone wishing to leave Afghanistan would be able to do so until August 31. Quoting Reuters, Mujahid also said the road to Kabul's international airport had been closed and only foreign nationals were allowed to pass.

"We will not allow evacuation operations past August 31. We have closed the road to the airport and only let foreigners pass", said Mujahid.