Ukraine: Taliban Releases Statement Regarding Russian Invasion

The Taliban has released a statement amid Russia's full-scale, calamitous invasion of Ukraine.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the new Taliban government followings its takeover last year, said it's 'monitoring the situation in Ukraine and expresses concern about real possibility of civilian casualties'.

'The Islamic Emirate calls for restraint by both parties. All sides need to desist from taking positions that could intensify violence. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in line with its foreign policy of neutrality, calls on both sides of the conflict to resolve crisis through dialogue and peaceful means,' the statement continues.

'The Islamic Emirate also calls on parties to the conflict to pay attention to safeguarding the lives of Afghan students and migrants in Ukraine.'

'Second, he views that Russia shows its position to the world as a world power on the balance of power which controls world peace.'

Speaking today, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said, 'I will not trigger a European war. But what I will do is help Ukraine fight in every street with every piece of equipment we can get to them... Putin is not rational. He doesn't believe the Baltic states are really countries. We all have to stand up to him.'

Johnson said he was working with allies to set up a 'particular international war crimes tribunal for those involved in war crimes in the Ukraine theatre'.