You're reading: RFE/RL: Russia plans joint military drills with Central Asian countries, citing Afghan conflict

RFE/RL: Russia plans joint military drills with Central Asian countries, citing Afghan conflict

Published Aug. 19, 2017 at 9:20 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C), Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) and Commander in Chief of the Russian Navy Vladimir Korolev (L) watch a terrestrial globe while visiting Russia's Navy Headquarters during Navy Day in Saint Petersburg on July 30, 2017.

Photo by AFP

The Russian military said it will conduct joint military maneuvers with countries in Central Asia in response to regional threats arising from the war in Afghanistan.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting with Russia’s top military brass in Moscow on August 18 that the conflict between Afghan government forces and the Taliban poses a threat to the Central Asia’s stability.