Russia Forms Full Partnership with Taliban

Russia is establishing a 'full-fledged partnership' with Afghanistan's ruling Taliban, encouraging other regional countries to expand cooperation with Kabul. This move follows Russia's formal recognition of the Taliban government last year, after the U.S.-led forces withdrew from Afghanistan. Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia's Security Council, emphasized the importance of cooperation for regional security and development, advocating for a 'pragmatic dialogue' encompassing security, trade, culture, and humanitarian support. Russia also lifted its 2003 ban on the Taliban as a terrorist movement in April 2025. Shoigu urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which includes China, India, Iran, and Pakistan, to revive its contact group with Afghanistan, highlighting Russia's need to work with Kabul against Islamist militant threats.