Russia Urges US to Release Frozen Afghanistan Assets

DID Press: Russia has called on the United States and its Western allies to release Afghanistan’s frozen state assets, arguing that the funds belong to the Afghan people and criticizing what it described as the politicization of humanitarian assistance.

Speaking at a press briefing, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged what she described as the “self-proclaimed defenders of democracy” to return Afghanistan’s assets and stop linking humanitarian aid to political objectives.

“We once again call on the so-called defenders of democracy to return the assets belonging to the Afghan people and to stop politicizing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan,” Zakharova said.

She also criticized what she called the “unprecedented and irresponsible politicization” of international assistance to Afghanistan by Western countries, arguing that US and allied policies have worsened the country’s humanitarian situation.

According to Zakharova, Washington’s sanctions policy and its efforts to promote governance based on Western democratic models have disproportionately affected Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations, particularly children and infants.

The issue of Afghanistan’s frozen overseas assets has remained a point of contention since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, with several countries and international organizations calling for mechanisms to ensure the funds benefit the Afghan population.