Russian ambassador says Kant airbase in Kyrgyzstan equipped to counter threats from Afghanistan

Russian Ambassador to Bishkek Sergey Vakonov stated that the Russian airbase in Kant, Kyrgyzstan, is sufficiently equipped to counter security threats from the south, particularly from Afghanistan, and requires no expansion.
Vakonov said the forces at the Kant base assist Kyrgyzstan's security forces in combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and organized crime. They have also conducted joint exercises with other members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
The base played an active role in the 'Border-2025' command and staff maneuvers in Issyk-Kul province.
Vakonov emphasized that Russia will continue equipping the base with the most advanced military equipment and technology.
Operational for over 20 years, the Kant airbase serves as a key air support point for CSTO vanguard forces in Central Asia. Vakonov highlighted its critical role in regional security amid threats from armed groups in Afghanistan.
More in International

Afghanistan Absent from Munich Security Conference 2026; Taliban Accused of Excluding Country from Global Forums

Reuters: USAID Remaining Budget Used for Security of US Office of Management and Budget Director

Pakistani Police Demolish Homes of Afghan Refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

62nd Munich Security Conference Opens with Focus on Ukraine War, Gaza Crisis
ReliableAfghanistan Absent from Munich Security Conference 2026; Taliban Accused of Excluding Country from Global Forums
Afghanistan lacks representatives at the 2026 Munich Security Conference, with a former official blaming the Taliban for excluding the country from global forums amid security and returnee crises. UNHCR warns of deepening humanitarian woes from mass returns, while Taliban governors discuss military units and returnee support.
ReliableReuters: USAID Remaining Budget Used for Security of US Office of Management and Budget Director
The US Office of Management and Budget has redirected $15 million from USAID's remaining budget to fund security for its director, Russell Vought, amid the agency's ordered closure by the Trump administration.
ReliablePakistani Police Demolish Homes of Afghan Refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistani police have demolished homes of Afghan refugees in camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid ongoing forced deportations to Afghanistan. Refugees report uncertainty and hardship, with hundreds of thousands having returned recently and facing challenges inside the country.
Reliable62nd Munich Security Conference Opens with Focus on Ukraine War, Gaza Crisis
The 62nd Munich Security Conference opened in Germany, focusing on the Ukraine war, Gaza crisis, Iran, and transatlantic ties, with key figures including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending. Discussions highlight tensions in alliances and calls to end the Ukraine conflict.