MONITORING (SW) – Analysts believe that Afghanistan would lose the much-needed international assistance and attention in the wake of the Ukraine crisis.
With the onset of the crisis in Ukraine, the migration of Ukrainians to other countries has begun. Tariq Farhadi, an expert on international relations, told Salam Watandar that about five million Ukrainians are likely to emigrate to other countries in the next three years.
According to Mr. Farhadi, with the migration of Ukrainians to Europe, there will be major changes for Afghan migrants. He added that a number of European countries were in favor of Ukraine and a number of others were in favor of Russia, which could reduce international attention to Afghanistan.
“European society will change after the Russians enter Ukraine,” he said. “Europe itself will have IDPs, and the international community will pay attention to these issues, and the international community’s attention and support for Afghanistan will diminish.”
Mohibullah Sharif, another international relations expert, also believes that the Russia-Ukraine war will have a negative impact on the economic situation and the overall situation in Afghanistan in general. He says the Ukraine crisis will first determine the fate of Afghan refugees living in Ukraine.
Mr. Sharif also warned of a possible reduction in international aid to Afghanistan, saying that Western countries might unite against Russia and prioritize Ukraine in terms of economic, political and military assistance.
“Undoubtedly, the world will pay attention to the situation in Ukraine and the issue of Afghanistan will be left out in some way. In addition, the economic and regional problems that will arise as a result of the prolongation of the war will affect Afghanistan,” he added.
Russia attacked Ukraine last Thursday, with Russian forces reportedly occupying large parts of Ukraine and reaching the capital, Kiev. Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces is still ongoing, killing and wounding dozens of soldiers and civilians. There have also been reports that peace talks may begin between the two sides.
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