Moscow, October 20, 2025 – Russia has expressed strong support for a ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, brokered through the diplomatic efforts of Qatar and Türkiye. The truce, which took effect immediately following negotiations in Doha on Sunday, October 19, 2025, marks a significant step toward de-escalating tensions along the volatile Afghan-Pakistani border, where recent clashes have claimed lives and heightened regional instability.
In a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova hailed the ceasefire as a positive development for both nations, which she described as “friendly” to Russia. “We welcome the agreement on a mutual ceasefire along the Afghan-Pakistani border, achieved between Kabul and Islamabad with the mediation of the Qatari and Turkish authorities,” Zakharova said. She emphasized that the commitment by both Kabul and Islamabad to resolve their disputes through dialogue lays a foundation for lasting peace and serves as a critical factor in ensuring regional security.
The ceasefire follows days of intense border skirmishes that have exacerbated longstanding tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly along the Durand Line, the contentious 2,670-kilometer border that has been a source of friction since its establishment in 1893. Clashes in recent weeks have resulted in casualties on both sides, with each country accusing the other of harboring militants and failing to secure the border. The violence has also displaced civilians and disrupted trade routes, further straining relations between the two neighbors.
Zakharova underscored the importance of continued cooperation between Kabul and Islamabad, particularly in combating terrorism, which remains a significant challenge in the region. “We call on Kabul and Islamabad to expand their cooperation, including in countering terrorism,” she said, highlighting the need for joint efforts to address the threat posed by extremist groups operating in the border areas.
The ceasefire agreement was reached during talks hosted in Doha, Qatar, with representatives from both Afghanistan and Pakistan engaging in intensive discussions facilitated by Qatari and Turkish mediators. The negotiations focused on de-escalating the immediate conflict and establishing a framework for further dialogue. Both sides agreed to halt hostilities and work toward addressing the root causes of their disputes, including issues related to border security, cross-border militancy, and trade disruptions.
Qatar and Türkiye, both of which have cultivated diplomatic ties with Afghanistan and Pakistan, played a pivotal role in bringing the two sides to the table. Qatar, in particular, has emerged as a key mediator in Afghan-related issues since hosting the U.S.-Taliban talks that led to the 2020 Doha Agreement. Türkiye, meanwhile, has leveraged its strategic position and historical ties with both nations to foster dialogue and promote stability in the region.
The ceasefire is seen as a temporary but crucial measure to prevent further escalation and pave the way for more comprehensive talks. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, on October 25, 2025. The upcoming talks are expected to focus on long-term solutions to the border dispute, including mechanisms for joint border monitoring, intelligence sharing, and addressing the activities of militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP).
The Afghan-Pakistani border has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with both countries accusing each other of failing to curb cross-border insurgent activities. Pakistan has repeatedly claimed that the TTP, a banned militant group responsible for numerous attacks within its borders, operates from sanct根 in Afghanistan. Conversely, Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of supporting insurgent groups and failing to secure its side of the border. These mutual accusations have fueled mistrust and hindered bilateral cooperation.
The recent flare-up in tensions was triggered by a series of cross-border attacks that began in early October 2025, with both sides reporting civilian and military casualties. The violence prompted international concern, with the United Nations and regional powers calling for restraint and dialogue. The successful mediation by Qatar and Türkiye has been widely praised as a constructive step toward de-escalation, with hopes that the ceasefire will hold and lead to meaningful progress in the upcoming Istanbul talks.
Russia’s endorsement of the ceasefire reflects its broader interest in promoting stability in South Asia, a region where it has sought to expand its influence in recent years. Moscow has maintained diplomatic relations with both Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government and Pakistan, positioning itself as a neutral player capable of engaging with both sides. By supporting the ceasefire, Russia aims to bolster its role as a regional stabilizer while advocating for cooperative efforts to address shared security challenges, particularly terrorism.
The ceasefire has also drawn positive reactions from other international stakeholders. The United States, the European Union, and China have all issued statements welcoming the truce and urging both parties to build on the momentum to address underlying issues. The UN Secretary-General’s office described the ceasefire as “a critical step toward peace and stability in the region,” emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue to prevent future conflicts.
However, analysts caution that the ceasefire is only a temporary measure, and its success will depend on the willingness of both Afghanistan and Pakistan to address deep-seated grievances. Key challenges include resolving disputes over the Durand Line, improving border security, and tackling the issue of cross-border militancy. The role of external mediators like Qatar and Türkiye will be crucial in maintaining momentum and ensuring that both sides remain committed to the peace process.
As the region watches closely, the upcoming talks in Istanbul will be a critical test of whether Afghanistan and Pakistan can move beyond short-term de-escalation and work toward a lasting resolution. For now, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for a region long plagued by conflict, with Russia and other international actors signaling their support for continued diplomatic efforts to secure peace and stability along the Afghan-Pakistani border.
