Russia And Taliban Sign Military Cooperation Pact After U.S. Exit
Russia and the Taliban signed a military-technical cooperation pact on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at an international security forum in Russia.[1]
The pact was agreed after a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.[1] The Taliban Defense Ministry confirmed Yaqoob's travel and participation, but neither Moscow nor Kabul disclosed specific provisions of the agreement.[1] Shoigu also used the forum to call on Western countries to unfreeze Afghan assets as part of the new cooperation.[1]
Russia formally recognized the Taliban government in 2024, and President Vladimir Putin has described the Taliban as allies in the fight against terrorism.[1] The signing follows the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and marks a deepening of Moscow's security relationship with Kabul.[1]
Details on any weapons transfers, training programs or timelines were not released, leaving independent verification of commitments unavailable.
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📌 Key Facts
- Russia and the Taliban signed a military-technical cooperation pact on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at an international security forum in Russia.
- The pact was agreed after a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.
- The Taliban Defense Ministry publicly confirmed Yaqoob's travel and participation, but neither Moscow nor Kabul has disclosed specific provisions of the agreement.
- Russia formally recognized the Taliban government in 2024, and Putin has referred to the Taliban as allies in the fight against terrorism.
- Shoigu called on Western countries to unfreeze Afghan assets as part of remarks surrounding the new cooperation with Kabul.
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