TOKYO -- As the Taliban takes over in Afghanistan, Russia has appointed itself as a mediator in the war-torn country, underlining its position as a key stakeholder and hardly hiding its desire to expand its influence in the region to fill the power vacuum left by the retreating U.S. military.
Afghanistan turmoil
Russia looks to fill Afghanistan power vacuum as US exits
Bitter memories and a shaky plan bode ill for Moscow's try at a geopolitical win
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Can Russian President Vladimir Putin come to terms with the Taliban and claim a stake in the war-torn country? (Source photos by AP and Reuters)
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