Russia and Afghanistan's Taliban government have signed a military agreement, signaling deepening cooperation between the sides, according to experts. The deal was finalized on May 27 by Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia's Security Council, and Taliban defense minister Mohammad Yaqub on the sidelines of a security forum near Moscow, Russian media reported.
Neither side has released the text of the agreement or offered details about its scope, making it difficult to gauge whether the deal represents a formal defense pact or a more limited understanding. The lack of transparency has prompted analysts to caution against overinterpretation.
The agreement comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics as Russia seeks to expand its influence in Central Asia and engage with the Taliban, which remains internationally isolated. Moscow has previously hosted Taliban delegations for talks on regional security and economic cooperation.
Critics argue that the deal could strain Russia's relations with Central Asian neighbors wary of Taliban militancy, while others see it as a pragmatic move to secure Russia's southern flank. The Taliban's defense ministry has not commented beyond confirming the signing.
Counter_argument: Some regional analysts suggest the agreement may be largely symbolic, given the Taliban's lack of international recognition and the absence of detailed commitments. Russia may be using the deal to signal leverage to other actors without immediate practical consequences.