Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has criticised Belarus for hosting a delegation from the Taliban and pursuing closer economic relations with Afghanistan’s ruling authorities.
According to the Ukrainian intelligence service, Minsk’s decision to engage with the Taliban reflects what it described as a significant decline in Belarusian diplomatic standards. The agency accused Belarus of reducing its foreign policy engagement to the level of dealing with what it referred to as “terrorists.”
The criticism follows a visit by a Taliban delegation to Belarus as Minsk seeks to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. Discussions between the two sides have reportedly focused on expanding cooperation and exploring opportunities for trade and investment.
Ukraine’s statement highlights the growing geopolitical debate surrounding international engagement with the Taliban government. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has sought greater diplomatic recognition and expanded economic relations with countries across the region and beyond.
Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has increasingly pursued relationships with countries and political authorities that have faced limited recognition from Western governments.
The Ukrainian intelligence service’s criticism comes amid broader tensions between Kyiv and Minsk. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Belarus of supporting Russia during the war in Ukraine, while Belarus has maintained close political and military relations with Moscow.
The Taliban’s growing diplomatic outreach has also prompted different responses from governments around the world, with some countries expanding practical engagement while others continue to maintain significant political restrictions.