Taliban will send senior members to Russia for peace talks on Afghanistan

The Taliban said on Wednesday it would send senior members to Russia for peace talks on Afghanistan, hours after the Afghan government declined the offer to attend such a conference.

The statement from the ministry said that Russia had invited 12 countries, including the United States, to international talks, which come as Moscow is taking a more prominent role on Afghanistan.

"Our leaders have accepted Russia's invitation to participate in Russia-led peace talks," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Russia and its allies called on the Taliban to lay down weapons and negotiate with the Afghan government directly. Moscow also declared its readiness to serve as a platform for dialogue following 17 years of conflict.