MOSCOW – Kremlin’s decision to deepen military cooperation with Afghan Taliban triggered international alarm and sharpened scrutiny of the Afghan group’s already controversial role in regional security, particularly its alleged links to militant activity across the region, including repeated attacks on Pakistan as Afghan soil is being used as a safe haven for militancy.
The agreement was reached during “International Security Forum” in Moscow, where Taliban Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob and senior officials were formally hosted by Russian authorities.
The summit is first major international security event attended by Taliban representatives since Russia officially recognized their government in July 2025, making Moscow the only country in the world to grant such recognition.
While the military cooperation deal has not been publicly detailed, its secrecy fueled speculation that it could reshape regional security dynamics. Some analysts have raised concerns, that closer Russia–Taliban ties could open pathways for indirect support structures similar to those seen in other wartime alliances.
At the center of controversy is Taliban’s own security record. Despite its claims of having restored stability and eliminated extremist threats, critics argue that Afghanistan remains a volatile environment where multiple militant groups continue to operate.
Pakistan repeatedly slammed Taliban administration of failing to prevent Afghan territory from being used by armed factions responsible for cross-border attacks into Pakistani territory. These attakcs become persistent source of tension between Kabul and Islamabad, fueling diplomatic strain and border insecurity concerns.
Taliban officials at Moscow summit attempted to project legitimacy and international relevance. Mohammad Yaqoob described Russia as a major global and regional power and emphasized expanding bilateral relations. He framed engagement with Moscow as a sign of Afghanistan’s return to international diplomacy, despite the regime’s ongoing isolation from most of the world.
On the Russian side, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu used the platform to sharply criticize Western sanctions on Afghanistan and called for the release of frozen Afghan assets. He also demanded that Western nations accept responsibility for the long-term consequences of their military presence in Afghanistan and contribute to rebuilding efforts.
Shoigu further reinforced Moscow’s opposition to any return of US or NATO forces to Afghanistan or neighboring regions, portraying Russia as a key power shaping post-Western security arrangements in Central Asia.
Experts remain skeptical about the real scope of the agreement. Many believe it is unlikely to involve major arms transfers or direct troop cooperation. Instead, it may focus on limited coordination such as border management, intelligence sharing, or technical assistance.
A major driver of Russian concern is the Daesh, which Moscow says is actively recruiting fighters from Central Asian countries including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as from migrant communities inside Russia.
Taliban falsely claims that ISIS-K has been completely eliminated from Afghan territory and that no militant groups are allowed to operate within its borders. It maintains that Afghan security forces have successfully dismantled such networks.
This sharp contradiction shows broader crisis of credibility surrounding Afghanistan’s security narrativeone where the Taliban presents an image of control and stability, while neighboring states and international observers continue to raise concerns about ongoing militancy, cross-border threats, and regional destabilization.
