The gradual withdrawal of Western troops began in the fall, the active phase of the evacuation of the US-NATO contingent has been going on since May, the diplomat recalled.
“During this time, the military-political map of Afghanistan has been seriously redrawn.
The Taliban took over vast new territories.
The armed opposition itself claims to control 80% of the country, ”he said.
He stressed that there is nothing qualitatively new in this - this is the "logic of war."
"The Taliban believe that if they do not take the initiative on the battlefield, the official authorities will intercept it," Zhirnov added, noting that now the "combat season" is in full swing - what happens in Afghanistan every spring and summer.
The ambassador also noted that the current situation differs from previous years in that the government army began to give up positions as the Western troops were withdrawn and support for the US Air Force was reduced.
Dmitry Zhirnov also said that the actions of the Taliban * members in Afghanistan do not pose a direct threat to Russia.
On June 25, the head of the Supreme Council for the National Reconciliation of Afghanistan, Abdullah Abdullah, expressed the opinion that even if the Taliban tried to seize power in the republic by military means after the withdrawal of US forces, it would be their "big mistake."
The Pentagon does not believe that Afghanistan will come under the control of the Taliban after the US military leaves the country.
The withdrawal of troops began on May 1 and will end by September 11.
* "Taliban" - the organization was recognized as terrorist by the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation dated 02.14.2003.