MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax) - Russia's contacts with the Taliban movement, which is a terrorist organization banned in Russia, are aimed at understanding the situation in Afghanistan and their further intentions, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.
"Moscow is hosting a so-called Moscow-format meeting [on Afghanistan] today, and these direct contacts are aimed at better understanding what's happening in that state and what the Taliban's intentions are," Peskov told journalists.
The situation in Afghanistan is of immense importance to Russia and its allies in various associations, "and therefore, this communication is de facto being maintained," he said.
"The Taliban are not de jure recognized by world powers, nor are they recognized by Russia. But they are de facto Afghanistan's government," Peskov said.
"All countries are interested in understanding what is happening in the country. There are all indications of a humanitarian disaster and an economic collapse there. All countries, including the countries involved in the Moscow format, are trying to feel out the chances to help these people somehow and find out what's going to happen to them," he said.
"None of us are interested in the full paralysis of a state that borders, in particular, the CIS," Peskov said.