Overview
- Russia will assist the Taliban in Afghanistan through specialized support to combat the shared threat of ISIS-K, referred to as a 'common enemy' by Russian envoy Zamir Kabulov.
- The Taliban has been formally removed from Russia's terrorist organization list, enabling full legal cooperation between the two governments.
- Moscow has offered to accredit an Afghan ambassador and is awaiting Kabul’s response, signaling steps toward diplomatic normalization.
- A Russia-Afghanistan business forum is planned in Kazan to discuss trade and infrastructure projects, including potential mineral development and gas pipelines.
- This strategic realignment follows a deadly ISIS-linked attack near Moscow in 2024, underscoring Russia's shift toward collaboration with the Taliban.