Russia signs defense pact with Taliban: Details named
Taliban militants (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia and the Afghan Taliban movement have signed an agreement on military-technical cooperation. This took place on May 27 at the International Security Forum in the Moscow region, according to Russian media.
What was signed and where
The document was concluded within the framework of the International Security Forum taking place in the Moscow Region. The content of the agreement is officially not disclosed.
What preceded the agreement
Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, stated that Kabul and Moscow have significantly expanded bilateral cooperation.
Earlier, on May 14 in Bishkek, Shoigu openly said that Russia has established dialogue with the Taliban and is building a full-fledged partnership with them.
Russia’s rapprochement with the Taliban is taking place in stages. On May 14, Shoigu again stated that Russia is building a full-fledged partnership with the movement and called on other countries in the region to expand contacts with Kabul.
In April 2025, Russia’s Supreme Court suspended the ban on the Taliban’s activities in the country — previously, the organization had officially been considered terrorist.
Amid the rapprochement with the Afghan Taliban, Moscow is also increasing its military activity in other directions. The State Duma granted Putin the authority to deploy the army abroad in case of the detention of any Russian citizen. The Institute for the Study of War notes that Russia is expanding its nuclear potential at the fastest pace since the Cold War.
