Russia Backs Taliban in Fight Against ISIS-K, Signaling a Diplomatic Shift
Russia intends to aid Taliban in their anti-ISIS-K campaign within Afghanistan, identifying the extremist group as a mutual adversary.
In a surprising move, Russia has vowed to aid the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan in battling the local branch of Islamic State, ISIS-K. Zamir Kabulov, a former Russian ambassador to Afghanistan and current special envoy for the country, called ISIS-K a "common adversary" and applauded the Taliban's valiant efforts against the group. In an interview with Russia's state news agency RIA, Kabulov disclosed that Russia will extend its best possible assistance to the Afghan authorities through specialized structures in the fight against ISIS-K.
While global powers have yet to recognize the Taliban administration, which seized control in August 2021 following the abrupt US withdrawal, Russia has taken steps to normalize ties. Last month, Moscow dropped the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, a label it had maintained since 2003.
This marks a notable shift in Russia's stance and signals a deeper future engagement. In fact, Russian President Vladimir Putin previously referred to the Taliban as an "ally" in the battle against terrorism. The strengthening partnership comes at a time when Russia grapples with its own ISIS-linked security threats, like the 2024 attack on a Moscow-area concert hall that claimed 145 lives, which US intelligence linked to ISIS-K.
Kabulov also highlighted that Afghanistan and Russia are pressing forward with collaboration across various sectors. Moscow is awaiting a response from Kabul regarding the accreditation of an Afghan ambassador to Moscow. According to Kabulov, the arrival of the Afghan ambassador will be the final step in resolving the diplomatic issue.
Russia intends to collaborate more closely with Afghanistan in terms of trade, business, and investment relations. The country hopes to capitalize on Afghanistan's strategic placement for future infrastructure and energy projects. Key discussions on mineral development and gas pipeline projects are slated for an upcoming Russia-Afghanistan business forum in Kazan later this month.
(With additional inputs from Reuters)
Dissecting the Newfound Alliance
Russia's stance towards the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has drastically transformed over recent years, especially following the removal of the Taliban's designation as a "terrorist organization" by the Russian Supreme Court in April 2025. Here are key developments and potential outcomes for trade, diplomatic ties, and infrastructure projects:
Tactical Collaboration
- Historical Insight: Initially, the Taliban was marked as a terrorist group by Russia in 2003. However, since the Taliban's return to power, Russia has actively cultivated its ties, including hosting Taliban delegations at notable events such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
- Recent Actions: The Russian Supreme Court's decision to delete the terrorist label in April 2025 allows for increased cooperation without violating Russian law.
Potential Impacts
Commercial Ties
- Commercial Opportunities: The scrapping of the terrorist label can facilitate trade relations between Russia and Afghanistan. Russia may consider investments in sectors such as agriculture or mining, exploiting Afghanistan's abundant natural resources.
- Expanded Influence: Enhanced trade could make Russia a pivotal force in Central Asia, heightening its influence within the region.
Diplomatic Connections
- Enhanced Collaboration: The removal of the terrorist label allows for more open engagement with the Taliban, which might lead to eventual international recognition of the Taliban government.
- Stability Promotion: Russian officials perceive collaboration with the Taliban as instrumental for the stabilization of Afghanistan, minimizing threats from extremist groups like the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Infrastructure Proposals
- Infrastructure Improvements: Russia may invest in infrastructure projects like transportation and energy systems, benefiting both nations. Potential investments include rail links or pipelines linking Central Asia to Afghanistan.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Such investments can boost economic growth in both Russia and Afghanistan, leading to heightened regional integration.
In conclusion, Russia's decision could significantly expand its diplomatic and commercial ties with the Taliban-led government, potentially turning Afghanistan into a strategic hub for Russian influence in Central Asia. However, the course of these developments depends on numerous factors, including Russia's ability to navigate complex regional situations and future security concerns.
- Russia's support for the Taliban in Afghanistan, signaling a shift in its stance, extends to offering assistance in fighting ISIS-K, a common adversary in war-and-conflicts.
- Despite global powers yet to recognize the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, Russia has shown commitment to normalizing ties through actions like dropping the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations.
- The strengthening partnership between Russia and Afghanistan is not limited to military cooperation, as both nations pursue collaboration across various sectors, including finance, trade, and investment.
- In the general news, the removal of the terrorist label from the Taliban by Russia in April 2025 opened opportunities for strategic investments in sectors like agriculture and mining, aiming to capitalize on Afghanistan's abundant natural resources.
- The diplomatic issue between Afghanistan and Russia could be resolved soon with the anticipated arrival of an Afghan ambassador to Moscow, which will mark the final step in resolving the diplomatic issue.
- Russia aims to play a pivotal role in Central Asia by pursuing infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, such as rail links or pipelines, with the upcoming Russia-Afghanistan business forum in Kazan expected to include key discussions on mineral development and gas pipeline projects.
