As Russian soldiers threatened the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Friday, the Taliban administration of Afghanistan appealed for peace between Russia and Ukraine and expressed concern over civilian losses.

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Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published an English-language message on Twitter on Friday morning, demanding a resolution to the problem through “dialogue and peaceful means.”

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and expresses concern about real possibility of civilian casualties,” Taliban stated.

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“The Islamic Emirate calls for restraint by both parties. All sides need to desist from taking positions that could intensify violence,” the statement said.

It added, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in line with its foreign policy of neutrality, calls on both sides of the conflict to resolve the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means.

“The Islamic Emirate also calls on parties to the conflict to pay attention to safeguarding the lives of Afghan students and migrants in Ukraine.”

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Following the complete withdrawal of US soldiers from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban reclaimed power in the country. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in late 2014, the UN stated it had received “credible allegations” that more than 100 former Afghan government officials, security services members, and civilians who collaborated with US and international forces had been slain.

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Russian military are said to have invaded Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, on Friday morning, raising fears that the city may fall within hours, with people being urged to hurl Molotov cocktails against Russian troops.