In a move that’s turning global heads, Russia has pledged support to the Taliban in their battle against Islamic State militants in Afghanistan, specifically the ISIS-K faction. The unexpected alliance signals a significant shift in geopolitical strategy, especially as Russia seeks to strengthen its influence in Central Asia.
Zamir Kabulov, Moscow’s special envoy for Afghanistan and a former ambassador to Kabul, described ISIS-K as a “common enemy” threatening both nations. In a recent interview with Russia’s state-run RIA news agency, he confirmed that Russia is ready to provide “its best assistance” to the Taliban through specialized security channels.
“We recognize and value the efforts the Taliban are making in fighting the Afghan branch of ISIS,” Kabulov said. “Our cooperation will extend through professional structures to support this shared mission.”
This partnership highlights the deepening ties between Moscow and the Taliban regime, which seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after U.S.-led forces abruptly withdrew following a two-decade-long presence. Though the Taliban remains unrecognized internationally, Russia made a noteworthy step last month by removing the group from its official list of terrorist organizations—a designation it had held since 2003.
The shift isn’t just symbolic. Kabulov emphasized that removing the Taliban from the terror list “clears the way for full cooperation” across multiple areas—including diplomacy, trade, and infrastructure development. Moscow has already extended an offer to accept an Afghan ambassador and is awaiting Kabul’s official response.
This move comes at a time when Russia is grappling with its own terrorism concerns. In March 2024, 145 people were killed in a mass shooting at a concert venue near Moscow—an attack claimed by ISIS and believed by U.S. intelligence to have been orchestrated by ISIS-K. This incident likely accelerated Russia’s urgency to find regional allies in the fight against extremism.
Kabulov stated that economic cooperation is also on the agenda. Later this month, a Russia-Afghanistan business forum will be held in Kazan, where officials plan to discuss collaborative projects in energy, mining, and pipeline development. Russia is particularly interested in leveraging Afghanistan’s strategic geographic location for future infrastructure ventures that could benefit both nations.
While the Taliban government continues to push for international recognition, most countries remain hesitant due to concerns about human rights, particularly women’s rights and freedom of expression under Taliban rule. Still, Russia’s engagement suggests a pragmatic approach focused more on security and economic interests than on ideology.
Russia’s move might influence other countries to reassess their diplomatic stance toward the Taliban, especially if Moscow is able to secure stability and mutual economic gains through this partnership.
With Afghanistan at the center of renewed strategic interest, this Russia-Taliban alliance could shape future geopolitical dynamics in the region—and beyond.
