Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his support for a key demand of the Taliban, urging Western countries to unfreeze Afghanistan’s financial assets. 

Speaking at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, President Putin said Western countries bear "the main responsibility" for what is happening in Afghanistan.

He said the main responsibility for what is happening there is being borne by those countries that have been fighting there for 20 years. President Putin said the first thing they should do, in my opinion, is to unfreeze the Afghan assets to give Afghanistan a possibility to solve socio-economic problems of paramount importance.

The Russian leader also praised the Taliban for their efforts in fighting the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group in Afghanistan, noting there are victims among the movement.

He also complimented Pakistan's role in the Afghan settlement, saying it is one of the most important players in the region.