Russia has announced a "full-fledged partnership" with the Taliban

Russia has officially announced the establishment of a “full-fledged partnership” with the Afghan Taliban movement, which was previously banned in Russia as a terrorist organization. Moscow has also called on countries in the region to actively develop ties with Kabul.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu made the announcement during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

According to Shoigu, Russia views the current Afghan government as an important partner following the withdrawal of Western troops from the region.

The Russian side has stated its intention to build a “pragmatic dialogue” with Kabul, covering several areas of cooperation.

Moscow plans to develop cooperation with the Afghan government in the following areas:

• regional security;
• trade and energy;
• cultural cooperation;
• humanitarian aid to the population.

Shoigu also called for the reinstatement of a special contact group within the SCO to intensify work with Afghanistan.

Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government after the movement came to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

The Taliban established control over the country following the withdrawal of U.S. troops and U.S. allies, ending a nearly 20-year conflict.

Back in 2003, the Russian Supreme Court designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization and banned its activities within the country.

However, in April 2025, Russian authorities officially revoked this designation.

Moscow believes that cooperation with the Taliban will help create an additional “security buffer” amid instability in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Russian authorities expect that the Afghan movement will help curb the activities of radical groups near Russia’s borders.

At the same time, the question of international recognition of the Taliban government by other states remains open.