Putin turns former Taliban enemies into strategic partners
Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Russia is officially establishing a "full-fledged partnership" with Afghanistan's Taliban movement, once banned in the country. Kremlin is also urging other regional states to immediately expand contacts with Kabul, Reuters reports.
An official statement about a new level of relations was made by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu during the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Russian authorities see Taliban as strategic partner amid withdrawal of Western forces from region.
Russia became the first country in the world to officially recognize the Taliban government last year. Islamists seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, when US-led forces carried out a chaotic military withdrawal after 20 years of war.
How Putin and the Taliban will cooperate now
Cooperation between Moscow and Kabul covers almost all key areas. Shoigu stressed the importance of such an alliance for the entire Central Asia.
Russia is building a "pragmatic dialogue" that includes the following points:
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Regional security issues;
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Active trade and energy cooperation;
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Cultural interaction;
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Humanitarian support for the population.
Shoigu presented these points during a meeting with colleagues from China, India, Iran, and Pakistan. He is convinced that the isolation of Afghanistan is a mistake. Moscow is now proposing a revival of a special contact group within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Former enemies suddenly became friends
For a long time, the Taliban were official enemies of Russia. The Russian Supreme Court banned the movement in 2003 as a terrorist organization.
The situation changed only in April 2025. Kremlin officially removed terrorist status from the movement's representatives because Moscow feels an urgent need for an ally on Afghan territory, agency notes.
Russia sees the Taliban as a protective buffer and an island of stability amid chaos. Various militant movements are currently active from Afghanistan to the Middle East, and Russian President Vladimir Putin expects the Taliban to help contain radicals far from Russian borders.
The question of Taliban recognition by other countries remains open, but Moscow has already made its choice: old conflicts have moved into the background in the face of new geopolitical realities, material concludes.
What else is worth knowing about Putin
Earlier, the Russian State Duma gave Putin the right to send the army abroad if any Russian citizen is detained there. The law has already been adopted.
The Institute for the Study of War reported that Russia is increasing its nuclear potential at the fastest pace since the Cold War and strengthening its military presence near the borders of NATO countries.
The paranoia of the Russian leader has intensified. His personal security now forces visitors to remove even mechanical watches before meeting with Putin.
