Image Credits: Image Title: Russia Says It Is Building ‘Full Partnership’ With Afghanistan’s Taliban Government. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Russia said Thursday that it is establishing what officials described as a “full-fledged partnership” with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government, signaling a major expansion in ties between Moscow and Kabul.
The announcement reflects Russia’s growing effort to strengthen regional security cooperation and deepen diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan following years of instability after the withdrawal of US-led forces in 2021.
According to Russian officials, Moscow is also encouraging neighboring countries to expand their own cooperation with Kabul.
Moscow Expands Ties With Kabul
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said Moscow is building a “pragmatic dialogue” with the Taliban authorities covering security, trade, humanitarian support, and cultural cooperation.
Shoigu made the remarks during a meeting involving members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, according to Russian media reports.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation includes countries such as China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and several former Soviet republics.
Shoigu argued that closer engagement with Afghanistan is essential for regional security and economic development.
Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban Government
Russia formally recognized the Taliban government last year, becoming the first country to officially establish diplomatic recognition of the Islamist administration that returned to power in August 2021.
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan as the United States and allied NATO forces completed a chaotic withdrawal after two decades of war.
The decision marked a major geopolitical shift and demonstrated Moscow’s willingness to engage directly with the Taliban despite longstanding international concerns over human rights, governance and security issues.
Taliban Ban Lifted in Russia
The Taliban had previously been designated as a terrorist organization in Russia in 2003.
However, Moscow officially lifted the ban in April 2025 as relations between the two sides continued to improve.
Russian officials now view engagement with Kabul as increasingly necessary due to growing security threats from militant extremist groups operating across regions stretching from Afghanistan to the Middle East.
Moscow has repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by transnational Islamist militant networks and fears instability in Afghanistan could spill over into Central Asia and Russia’s southern sphere of influence.
SCO Contact Group Could Return
Shoigu also called for reviving the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s contact group on Afghanistan.
The mechanism was previously used to coordinate discussions between regional powers regarding Afghanistan’s security and political future.
Analysts say Moscow is attempting to position itself as one of the leading diplomatic players shaping Afghanistan’s regional integration following the decline of Western influence in the country.
Russia, China, and several Central Asian states have gradually expanded diplomatic contacts with Taliban authorities even as many Western governments continue withholding formal recognition.
Regional Security Remains Central Concern
Security remains the primary issue driving Moscow’s outreach to Kabul.
Russian authorities continue expressing concern about extremist groups operating in Afghanistan, including factions linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province.
At the same time, Russia is seeking to strengthen economic and logistical links across Eurasia through regional partnerships involving Afghanistan.
Observers say the growing relationship between Moscow and Kabul reflects broader geopolitical realignment across Asia following the withdrawal of Western military forces and the continuing shift toward multipolar regional alliances.