Russia and the Taliban-led Afghan government signed a military-technical cooperation agreement at the International Security Forum near Moscow on May 28, 2026 [1, 2]. The deal was finalized between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, the son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar and former Taliban military chief [1, 2].
The Taliban Defense Ministry confirmed Yaqoob traveled to Russia to attend the forum, marking a high-level engagement between the two sides [2]. Yaqoob said, "Afghanistan and Russia have long-standing historical relations, and we want to continue moving in this direction. We have expanded bilateral relations" [1, 2].
Russia has continued to build a full-fledged partnership with the Taliban government after their takeover in August 2021, when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan following the overthrow of the U.S.-backed government [1, 2]. Russia was the first country to formally recognize the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 2024 and views them as allies in the fight against terrorism [2]. Analyst Nikita Smagin noted the recognition was "more of a symbolic gesture than something driven by trade or economic considerations" [2].
Shoigu urged Western countries to unfreeze Afghan assets frozen during their military presence and to "bear the burden of the country’s post-conflict reconstruction," attributing responsibility for Afghanistan’s future to those involved over the past two decades [1].
Neither Russia nor the Taliban have disclosed further details of the new military cooperation agreement as of May 29, 2026 [2]. The accord represents Moscow’s ongoing efforts to deepen ties with the Taliban regime following their rise to power.
The signing of this agreement follows Russia's recognition of the Taliban government in 2024 and comes amid Russia’s calls for Western involvement in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.
