Afghanistan's Taliban-led government is intensifying efforts to monitor and restrict the activities of Russian and Belarusian operatives within its borders, according to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (FISU).

The Taliban's Main Directorate of Intelligence has expressed concerns that agents from the "Union State" - a political and economic alliance between Russia and Belarus - are attempting to exploit Afghanistan's geopolitical position to exacerbate tensions between Eastern and Western powers, the National News Agency of Ukraine (UKRInform) has said. FISU reports that a covert network has been established, aiming to manipulate foreign interests and create discord among international actors.

In a letter dated July 7, Asadullah Baryalai, Chief of the Taliban's Counterintelligence Service, highlighted a significant increase in the number of Russian nationals entering Afghanistan under various guises, including tourists and journalists. Baryalai went on to suggest that many of these individuals may, in fact, be intelligence officers according to the report. Subsequently, in September, Baryalai proposed specific measures to counter the activities of these foreign agents.

UKRInform adds that the heightened scrutiny follows Russia's recognition of the Taliban's "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" on July 3, making it the first country to formally acknowledge the regime. This diplomatic move has raised concerns among international observers about the potential for increased foreign influence in Afghanistan, particularly from Russia and Belarus.