The Kremlin’s Kabul Pivot: Russia’s Strategic Realignment and Military Cooperation with the Taliban
Driven by evolving regional security mandates and the imperative to block Western re-entry into Central Asia, Moscow has pivoted from historical opposition to a pragmatic military and diplomatic partnership with the Taliban government. This strategic realignment is underscored by the landmark May 2026 defense cooperation agreement, high-level tactical war game participation, and a shared focus on neutralizing the regional threat of ISKP
