Dmitry Yazov, who was then the Soviet Minister of Defense, publicly announced on April 7, 1988, the directive for Soviet forces to withdraw from Afghanistan. This marked a significant turning point in the decade-long military engagement that began in December 1979, when Soviet troops invaded the country to support the communist government against insurgent groups. The conflict experienced increasing unpopularity among Soviet citizens and faced mounting casualties, which pressured the Soviet leadership to seek a resolution. Under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, reforms such as glassnost and perestroika prompted a reevaluation of international military commitments, leading to a strategy shift regarding Afghanistan.

The announcement outlined a phased withdrawal beginning in May 1988, with the aim of reducing troop levels and ultimately ending the Soviet military presence. The decision also included discussions with the Afghan government and other stakeholders to ensure a stable transition. The Soviet Union sought to retain some influence in Afghanistan while scaling back military involvement, a strategy aimed at countering both domestic dissent and growing international criticism over the war. Yazov's order helped open a process that would culminate in the complete withdrawal of Soviet forces by early 1989.

This military withdrawal was a complex operation, involving not just logistics but also navigating the political landscape of Afghanistan, which included various factions vying for power. The implications of the withdrawal affected regional stability and laid the groundwork for the subsequent rise of the Taliban and the eventual civil war. The Soviet engagement in Afghanistan remained controversial, prompting debate about the lessons learned regarding foreign military interventions. The consequences of this conflict would linger long after the last troops left, influencing both Afghanistan's future and the geopolitical dynamics of Central Asia.