Russia Bans Transit of NATO Equipment for Afghanistan

Russia has suspended transit to NATO equipment for Afghanistan via its territory, a statement by the country's Prime Minister reads.

In the words of Dmitry Medvedev, the Foreign Ministry in Russia has been tasked with informing the relevant countries and international organizations.

The document, signed by the PM, was published Monday. It revokes decisions to allow delivery of military hardware and equipment by land, sea or air.

A 2001 United Nations Security Council resolution allowing military action to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan prompted Russia to give the green light to ISAF forces to provide assistance to the NATO-led mission, though Moscow gave its permission only seven years later.

In theory the military operation in Afghanistan came to an end last year, but thousands of ISAF troops are still stationed there.