MOSCOW, 27 August 2021, (TON): President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson said “Russia has yet to determine its position towards the Taliban, and will see how they act toward the Afghan population and Russian diplomats.”

Dmitry Peskov told a briefing "we think that the Taliban's dominance, the de facto rise to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan and them taking most over the country under their control is de facto an accomplished process."

He said that Moscow now wanted to see how this would translate into the security situation for the Afghan people and Russian diplomats in the country.

He added “Moscow is interested in peace and stability in Afghanistan and will likely continue contacts with Washington on issues arising there.”

Peskov said "the situation certainly requires exchange of opinions, exchange of information, so, of course, it is highly likely that such contacts will continue."

Four Russian military planes evacuated Russian and other nationals from Kabul on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, as Moscow held military exercises involving its tank forces in neighbouring Tajikistan.