Russia sees Trump’s decision on Afghanistan as negative signal, hopes for new Taliban talks

US President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel a meeting with the Taliban leaders and suspend peaceful consultations is a negative signal, Russian special presidential envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said on Monday.

“This is certainly a negative signal, but at the same time we take note of remarks by [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo and representatives of the Taliban group,” Kabulov told TASS. 

“Despite the bellicose tone of these remarks, both sides note readiness to continue dialogue,” said Kabulov, who also heads the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Second Asian Department.

“Since emotions are running high now, combat actions could escalate for some time, but we hope it won’t be long. We believe that in the final end this [negotiating] process will continue and will be successful,” the Russian diplomat said.